/beuh nan"euh/ , n.
1. a tropical plant of the genus Musa, certain species of which are cultivated for their nutritious fruit. Cf. banana family .
2. the fruit, esp. that of M. paradisiaca, with yellow or reddish rind.
[ 1590-1600; banana, Vai (Mande language of Liberia) bana ), but ultimate source and direction of borrowing uncert. ]