Either of two plantains of the genus Plantago: (North American) ribwort plantain, P. lanceolata, commonly occurring as a weed of cultivated land, and (Caribbean) greater plantain, P. major (to distinguish it from food plantains of the genus Musa).
Origin
Early 19th century.
Definition of English plantain in US English:
English plantain
noun
Either of two plantains of the genus Plantago: (North American) ribwort plantain, P. lanceolata, commonly occurring as a weed of cultivated land, and (Caribbean) greater plantain, P. major (to distinguish it from food plantains of the genus Musa).