Plan"tain (?), n. [Cf. F. plantain-arbre, plantanier, Sp. pl�xa0;ntano, pl�xa0;tano; prob. same word as plane tree.]
1. Bot.
A treelike perennial herb (Musa paradisiaca) of tropical regions, bearing immense leaves and large clusters of the fruits called plantains. See Musa.
<-- a type of banana -->
2.
The fruit of this plant. It is long and somewhat cylindrical, slightly curved, and, when ripe, soft, fleshy, and covered with a thick but tender yellowish skin. The plantain is a staple article of food in most tropical countries, especially when cooked.
<-- resembling the banana of commerce, but smaller -->
Plantain cutter, ∨ Plantain eater Zool., any one of several large African birds of the genus Musophaga, or family Musophagidae, especially Musophaga violacea. See Turaco. They are allied to the cuckoos. -- Plantain squirrel Zool., a Java squirrel (Sciurus plantani) which feeds upon plantains. -- Plantain tree Bot., the treelike herb Musa paradisiaca. See def. 1 (above).
© Webster 1913.
Plan"tain, n. [F., fr. L. plantago. Cf. Plant.] Bot.
Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the P. major, a low herb with broad spreading radical leaves, and slender spikes of minute flowers. It is a native of Europe, but now found near the abode of civilized man in nearly all parts of the world.
Indian plantain. Bot. See under Indian. -- Mud plantain, a homely North American aquatic plant (Heteranthera reniformis), having broad, reniform leaves. -- Rattlesnake plantain, an orchidaceous plant (Goodyera pubescens), with the leaves blotched and spotted with white. -- Ribwort plantain. See Ribwort. -- Robin's plantain, the Erigeron bellidifolium, a common daisylike plant of North America. -- Water plantain, a plant of the genus Alisma, having acrid leaves, and formerly regarded as a specific against hydrophobia. Loudon.
© Webster 1913.