Plantain
/ˈplænteɪn/noun
A type of starchy banana used in cooking.
Did you know?The word 'plantain' comes from Latin 'plantago', meaning 'sole of the foot', due to the plant's broad leaves resembling a footprint, symbolizing grounding and stability.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pl̥eh₁-
“to spread, to grow”
Latin
Latin
plantago
“a type of herb, derived from 'plantare' meaning 'to plant'.”
Old French
Old French
plantain
“a type of herb or banana, borrowed from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
plantain
“the same as in Old French, used for both the herb and the cooking banana.”
Modern English
English
plantain
“referring specifically to the starchy banana variety.”