Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bəˈnænə/

Definitions

1. A long curved fruit with a thick peel and soft sweet flesh, typically yellow when ripe, produced by several kinds of large herbaceous plants native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in tropical regions.
2. The plant that produces this fruit, typically belonging to the genus Musa.
3. Informally, a yellow fruit with a high sugar content, often eaten as a snack or used in cooking or desserts.

Usage Examples

• She peeled the banana and ate it for breakfast.
• Bananas are rich in potassium, making them a healthy snack choice.

Etymology

The word "banana" is thought to have originated from the Wolof language spoken in West Africa, where the word "banana" (or "banaana") referred to the fruit. It was adopted into Spanish and Portuguese and later entered English in the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• Plantain (a variety of banana)
• Fruit

Antonyms

• Vegetable
• Meat

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /bəˈnænə/
• British English: /bəˈnænə/
• Australian English: /bəˈnænə/

Historical Usage

The banana has been cultivated for thousands of years in Southeast Asia and has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became widely known in the Americas during the 19th century. The term "banana" was first recorded in English in the early 1600s.

Cultural Nuances

The banana is an important staple fruit in many tropical countries, often used in various dishes ranging from desserts to savory meals. In some cultures, bananas are seen as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. In India, bananas hold religious significance and are often used in offerings to deities.

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