what is a tapioca
tapÂ·iÂ·oÂ·ca. n. 1. A starch made from cassava roots, usually processed as beads or flakes and used for puddings and as a thickening agent in cooking. 2. A dish, especially a pudding, made from this starch.apÂ·iÂ·oÂ·ca. n. 1. A starch made from cassava roots, usually processed as beads or flakes and used for puddings and as a thickening agent in cooking. 2. A dish, especially a pudding, made from this starch.