noun a treelike perennial herb (musa paradisiaca) of tropical regions, bearing immense leaves and large clusters of the fruits called plantains. ·see musa.
2. plantain ·noun 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.
3. plantain ·noun 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.