The Collaborative International Dictionary
Plantain \Plan"tain\, n. [F., fr. L. plantago. Cf. Plant.] (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the Plantago major, a low herb with broad spreading radical leaves, and slender spikes of minute flowers. It is a native of Europe, but now found near the abode of civilized man in nearly all parts of the world.
Indian plantain. (Bot.) See under Indian.
Mud plantain, a homely North American aquatic plant ( Heteranthera reniformis), having broad, reniform leaves.
Rattlesnake plantain, an orchidaceous plant ( Goodyera pubescens), with the leaves blotched and spotted with white.
Ribwort plantain. See Ribwort.
Robin's plantain, the Erigeron bellidifolium, a common daisylike plant of North America.
Water plantain, a plant of the genus Alisma, having acrid
leaves, and formerly regarded as a specific against
hydrophobia.
--Loudon.