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.
Water plantain \Wa"ter plan"tain\ (Bot.) A kind of plant with acrid leaves. See under 2d Plantain.
Wiktionary
alt. Any of several plants, of the genus ''Alisma'', that inhabit marshy places n. Any of several plants, of the genus ''Alisma'', that inhabit marshy places
WordNet
n. marsh plant having clusters of small white or pinkish flowers and broad pointed or rounded leaves [syn: Alisma plantago-aquatica]
Usage examples of "water plantain".
The Alismaceae group of plants in general contain acrid juices, on account of which, a number of species, besides the Water Plantain, have been used as diuretics and antiscorbutic.