Plantain — Defs

01 n. A treelike perennial herb (Musa paradisiaca) of tropical regions, bearing immense leaves and large clusters of the fruits called plantains.…

1.
A treelike perennial herb (Musa paradisiaca) of tropical regions, bearing immense leaves and large clusters of the fruits called plantains. See Musa.(Bot.) See: Musa
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.

Phrases & compounds

Plantain cutter — any one of several large African birds of the genus Musophaga, or family Musophagidæ, especially Musophaga violacea. See Turaco. They are allied to the cuckoos.

Plantain squirrel — a Java squirrel (Sciurus plantani) which feeds upon plantains.

Plantain tree — the treelike herb Musa paradisiaca. See def. 1 (above).

02 n. Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the Plantago major, a low herb with broad spreading radical leaves, and slender spikes of m…

1.
Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the Plantago 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.(Bot.)

Phrases & compounds

Indian plantain — 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.