plantain
UK: ˈplantɪn | US: ˈplænˌteɪn
n. A starchy variety of banana, typically cooked before eating.
n. A common weed with broad, flat leaves, often found in lawns.
The word "plantain" has a dual history. For the banana-like fruit, it derives from Spanish plátano, itself from a Carib word via Old Taino. The spelling was influenced by the unrelated weed "plantain," which comes from Latin plantago (from planta, meaning "sole of the foot," referencing its flat leaves). Over time, the two distinct words merged in spelling due to phonetic similarity, though their meanings remain separate.
Fried plantains are a popular side dish in Caribbean cuisine.
The plantain weed spread quickly across the garden path.
She mashed ripe plantains to make a traditional dessert.
Plantains are often used in savory dishes when still green.
The broad leaves of the plantain weed make it easy to identify.