German

Noun

Marshmallow n

1. marshmallow (confectionery)

Synonyms

• Mäusespeck

English

a marshmallow flower
Althaea officinalis

Marshmallows (confection).

Alternative forms

• marsh mallow

Noun

marshmallow ‎(plural marshmallows)

1. A species of mallow, Althaea officinalis, that grows in marshy terrain. [from 9th c.]
   • 1653, Nicholas Culpeper, The English Physician Enlarged, Folio Society 2007, page 180:

     Our common Marsh Mallows have diverse soft, hoary white stalks rising to be three or four foot high, spreading forth many branches.

2. A type of confectionery, originally (since Ancient Egyptian times) made from this plant, but now generally made of sugar or corn syrup, gelatin that has been pre-softened in water, gum arabic, flavorings, and sometimes beaten egg whites, all whipped to a spongy consistency. [from 19th c.]
   • (Can we date this quote?) Love, Life and Work:

     The Disagreeable Girl is a female of the genus homo persuasion, built around a digestive apparatus that possesses marked marshmallow proclivities.

   • (Can we date this quote?) PH Wodehouse, A Wodehouse Miscellany:

     It was an apple marshmallow sundae, I recollect. I dug my spoon into it with an assumption of gaiety which I was far from feeling.

3. (figuratively) Someone who is soft and benign.

   He acts like a total badass, but he's really just a marshmallow once you get to know him.

Translations

Portuguese

Noun

marshmallow m (plural marshmallows)

1. marshmallow (pre-softened confectionery made with sugar, corn syrup, egg whites and gelatin)