I. ˈplant ə n, -ntə̇n, also -n.ˌtān noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English plauntein, plantaine, from Old French plantain, plantein, from Latin plantagin-, plantago, from planta sole of the foot; from its broad leaves — more at place
: a plant of the genus Plantago — see broad-leaved plantain , rugel's plantain
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French plantain, from Medieval Latin plantanus, alteration (influenced by Latin planta plant) of Latin platanus plane tree — more at plane
: plane II
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish plántano, plátano plane tree, banana tree, from Medieval Latin plantanus plane tree
1. : a banana plant ( Musa paradisiaca )
2. : the starchy fruit of the plantain that is a staple item of diet throughout the tropics when cooked and that is distinguished in appearance from the ordinary banana by its angular shape and yellowish green color