Plantain \Plan"tain\, n. [F., fr. L. plantago. Cf. Plant.]
(Bot.)
Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the P.
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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