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Plantain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plantain

[หˆplanteษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A starchy banana-like fruit that is commonly used in cooking, especially in Caribbean and African cuisine. Plantains can be fried, boiled, or baked and are often served as a side dish.

Synonyms

cooking banana, green banana.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plantain

Use 'plantain' when referring to the larger, starchy variety of banana that is typically cooked before eating. Commonly used in many Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines.

  • I made a delicious tostones dish with fried plantains.
  • Plantains are great for making savory dishes like mofongo.
cooking banana

Used mostly in regions where the differentiation between plantains and sweet bananas isn't commonly known. It emphasizes the fact that this type of banana is best suited for cooking rather than eating raw.

  • For the recipe, you'll need some cooking bananas to make the stew.
  • Cooking bananas are firmer and less sweet than the bananas you eat raw.
green banana

This refers to a banana that is not yet ripe and therefore less sweet. Typically used in a different culinary context for both regular bananas and plantains when they are still green and firm.

  • Boiled green bananas are a traditional dish in some cultures.
  • Green bananas can be sliced thin and fried for a crunchy snack.

Examples of usage

  • I love eating fried plantains with my meals.
  • Plantains are a staple food in many tropical regions.
  • Plantains can be green or ripe, with each stage offering different culinary possibilities.
Context #2 | Noun

botany

A large, tropical plant with broad leaves that are often used for medicinal purposes. The plantain plant belongs to the genus Musa.

Synonyms

Musa, plantain plant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plantain

Commonly used in culinary contexts, particularly referring to a starchy fruit similar to a banana that is often cooked before eating. It is popular in Caribbean, African, and Latin American cuisines.

  • I made fried plantains for dinner last night.
  • Plantains are a staple food in many tropical countries.
Musa

More formal or scientific term, generally used in botanical or agricultural contexts to refer to the genus of plants that includes bananas and plantains.

  • The Musa genus includes several species of bananas and plantains.
  • Researchers are studying Musa plants to improve crop yields.
plantain plant

Typically used to refer to the actual plant that produces the fruit, rather than the fruit itself. It can be used in gardening, botany, or agricultural contexts.

  • The plantain plant can grow quite tall if given the right conditions.
  • They have a few plantain plants growing in their backyard.

Examples of usage

  • Plantain leaves are believed to have healing properties.
  • In some cultures, plantains are used to treat insect bites and minor injuries.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Plantains are a staple food in many Caribbean and Latin American countries, often served as a side dish.
  • They can be fried, boiled, or baked, and are a key ingredient in dishes like tostones and mofongo.
  • Green plantains are starchy and used in savory dishes, while ripe plantains are sweeter and often used in desserts.

Cultural Significance

  • In parts of Africa, plantains are a primary food source and are often served with stews and sauces.
  • The festival of plantain is celebrated in some regions, highlighting its importance in local cuisine.

Nutritional Facts

  • Plantains are high in carbohydrates and provide a good source of energy.
  • They are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to meals.

Botanical Classification

  • Plantains belong to the same family as bananas (Musaceae) but are distinguished by their starchier texture.
  • Like bananas, plantains are produced in clusters and grow in tropical climates.

Origin of 'plantain'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'plantain' comes from the Latin 'plantago,' which means 'plant' or 'to plant.'
  • In many languages, the word for plantain is closely related to its banana counterpart, highlighting their similarities.

The word 'plantain' has a complex history tracing back to the 15th century. It originates from the Spanish word 'plรกtano' which refers to the banana plant. Plantains have been a significant food source in many tropical regions for centuries, with their versatility in cooking and potential health benefits. The term 'plantain' is now widely recognized in English-speaking countries due to the global influence of Caribbean and African cuisines.

See also: implant, plant, plantation, planted, planting, plants, replant, replanting, transplant, unplanted.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,603, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.