plantain

• Nom désignant soit une variété de fruit féculent semblable à une banane, généralement cuit avant consommation, soit une plante adventice commune à larges feuilles et petites fleurs.

A noun referring to either a type of starchy banana-like fruit that is typically cooked before eating, or a common weed with broad leaves and small flowers.

1. Weed-like plantB2formalscientific

   Any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago; mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small flowers; seeds of some used medicinally.

   Plantain (plante)

   • The common plantain grows easily in lawns and along paths.
   • Plantain leaves are often used in traditional herbal remedies.
   • The seeds of some plantain species are harvested for medicinal purposes.

   Synonymesribgrassribwort

2. Starchy fruit treeA2formalculinary

   A banana tree bearing hanging clusters of edible angular greenish starchy fruits; found in tropics and subtropics.

   Bananier plantain

   • Plantain trees are a staple crop in many tropical countries.
   • The green, angular fruits of the plantain tree are harvested before they ripen.
   • Farmers cultivate plantain trees for their starchy, versatile fruit.

3. Starchy cooking fruitA2informalculinary

   Starchy banana-like fruit; eaten (always cooked) as a staple vegetable throughout the tropics.

   Banane plantain

   • Fried plantain is a popular side dish in many Caribbean meals.
   • You can boil, bake, or mash plantain just like potatoes.
   • Plantain chips are a crunchy and savory snack.