Definition of banyan
: an East Indian fig tree (Ficus benghalensis) of the mulberry family with branches that send out roots which grow down to the soil and form secondary trunks
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of banyan
Origin and Etymology of banyan
earlier banyan Gujarati trader, from Portuguese banean, probably from Tamil vāniyan trader, from Sanskrit vāṇija; from a tree of the species in Iran under which such traders conducted business
First Known Use: 1634
BANYAN Defined for English Language Learners
banyan
playDefinition of banyan for English Language Learners
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: an Indian tree with long branches that send roots down to the ground forming secondary trunks
Learn More about banyan
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See words that rhyme with banyan Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about banyan
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