Abyssinian banana

noun

: 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Abyssinian banana was in 1859

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Abyssinian banana

Cite this Entry

“Abyssinian banana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Abyssinian%20banana. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!