Musa paradisiaca

Plantain Plan"tain, n. [Cf. F. plantain-arbre, plantanier, Sp. pl['a]ntano, pl['a]tano; prob. same word as plane tree.] 1. (Bot.) A treelike perennial herb ({Musa paradisiaca}) of tropical regions, bearing immense leaves and large clusters of the fruits called plantains. See {Musa}. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

{Plantain cutter}, or {Plantain eater} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several large African birds of the genus {Musophaga}, or family {Musophagid[ae]}, especially {Musophaga violacea}. See {Turaco}. They are allied to the cuckoos.

{Plantain squirrel} (Zo["o]l.), a Java squirrel ({Sciurus plantani}) which feeds upon plantains.

{Plantain tree} (Bot.), the treelike herb {Musa paradisiaca}. See def. 1 (above). [1913 Webster]