a tropical plant of the genus Musa, certain species of which are cultivated for their nutritious fruit.Compare banana family.
the fruit, especially that of M. paradisiaca, with yellow or reddish rind.
Origin of banana
1590–1600; < Spanish < Portuguese (perhaps via Sp); akin to various words for banana or plantain in WAfr languages (e.g., Wolof,Malinkebanana, Vai (Mande language of Liberia) bana), but ultimate source and direction of borrowing uncertain
any of several tropical and subtropical herbaceous treelike plants of the musaceous genus Musa, esp M. sapientum, a widely cultivated species propagated from suckers and having hanging clusters of edible fruit
the crescent-shaped fruit of any of these plantsCompare plantain 2
Word Origin for banana
C16: from Spanish or Portuguese, of African origin
"crazy," 1968; earlier (1935) it was noted as an underworld slang term for "sexually perverted."
banana
n.
1590s, borrowed by Spanish or Portuguese from a West African word, possibly Wolof banana. The plant was introduced to the New World from Africa in 1516. Top banana, second banana, etc. are 1950s, from show business slang use of banana for "comedian, especially in a burlesque show." Banana split first attested 1920. Banana oil "nonsense" is slang from c.1910.
