Banana

Definition

Banana is a noun that refers to a long, curved fruit with a yellow peel and soft, sweet flesh, typically eaten raw or used in cooking. It is produced by several species of large herbaceous plants in the genus Musa, primarily cultivated in tropical regions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bəˈnænə/
• Respelling: buh-NA-nuh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bəˈnɑːnə/
• Respelling: buh-NAH-nuh

The pronunciation of "banana" differs slightly between American and British English, particularly in the second syllable.

Etymology

The word "banana" likely originates from the Wolof language of West Africa, where the word "banana" refers to the fruit. It was adopted into English via Spanish or Portuguese in the 16th century as the fruit became popular in Europe through colonial trade.

Derivatives

• Banana tree (noun)
• Banana peel (noun)
• Banana split (noun)
• Banana bread (noun)
• Banana-flavored (adjective)

Synonyms

• Plantain (for some varieties)
• Tropical fruit
• Fruit

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "banana" is widely used to refer to the popular tropical fruit, as in "She had a banana for breakfast." It is also used in various culinary contexts, such as "banana bread" or "banana split," a popular dessert.

Related Terms

• Plantain: A starchy banana variety, often cooked before eating.
• Fruit: The mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually containing seeds.
• Herbaceous plant: A type of plant with soft, green stems that die back at the end of the growing season.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A long, curved fruit with yellow skin and soft, sweet flesh: Refers to the popular fruit produced by various species of the genus Musa.
  • Example: "He peeled a banana and ate it as a snack."
• A plant that produces bananas: Describes the large herbaceous plants in tropical regions that produce banana fruits.
  • Example: "They grow several banana plants in their backyard."