Definition of Abyssinian banana
: a perennial plant (Ensete ventricosum) native to eastern Africa that has very large, paddle-shaped leaves and inedible fruits resembling small bananas and that is often grown in warm regions as an ornamental
Note: The leaves of the Abyssinian banana can reach a length of 20 feet (6 meters) and the leaf stalks are an important source of dietary starch in Africa. It was formerly classified in the same genus (Musa) as the banana.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on Abyssinian banana
What made you want to look up Abyssinian banana? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz - Word Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share Abyssinian banana
Time Traveler for Abyssinian banana
The first known use of Abyssinian banana was in 1859
See more words from the same year