banana

ba·nana

noun, often attributive \bə-ˈna-nə, especially British -ˈnä-\

: a long curved fruit with a thick peel that is yellow when it is ripe

Full Definition of BANANA

1

:  an elongated usually tapering tropical fruit with soft pulpy flesh enclosed in a soft usually yellow rind

2

:  any of several widely cultivated perennial herbs (genus Musa of the family Musaceae, the banana family) bearing bananas in compact pendent bunches

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Illustration of BANANA

Origin of BANANA

Spanish or Portuguese; Spanish, from Portuguese, of African origin; akin to Wolof banaana banana

First Known Use: 1597

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with BANANA

bandanna, cabana, Diana, Fermanagh, goanna, Guiana, Guyana, hosanna, Montana, savanna, Savannah, sultana

banana

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Fruit of the genus Musa (family Musaceae), a gigantic herbaceous plant spread by rhizomes, and one of the most important food crops of the world. The banana is consumed extensively throughout the tropics, where it is grown, and is also valued in the temperate zone for its flavour, nutritional value, and constant availability. Hundreds of varieties are cultivated. Perhaps the most important species is the common banana, M. sapientum. The ripe fruit is high in carbohydrates (mainly sugar), potassium, and vitamins C and A, and it is low in protein and fat. Though usually eaten fresh, bananas may also be cooked. The U.S. imports more bananas than does any other country. See also plantain.