banana
noun (countable)
UK/bəˈnɑː.nə/US/bəˈnæn.ə/
a long, curved fruit with a yellow skin and soft, sweet flesh inside, typically eaten ripe but also used in various dishes
Example Sentences
She ate a banana as a quick breakfast before heading to work.
Bananas are rich in potassium, making them a popular choice for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
To prevent bananas from ripening too quickly, people often store them separately from other fruits.
Many desserts, like banana bread and banana pudding, incorporate the fruit for its natural sweetness.
He sliced a banana into his cereal to add extra flavor and nutrients.
Bananas are widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world, where the climate is warm and humid, allowing the plants to thrive and produce fruit year-round.
The child eagerly peeled open his banana, delighted by its soft texture and mild taste, which made it a perfect snack for his developing palate and small hands.
During long hikes, bananas provide a convenient source of energy, easy to pack and peel, eliminating the need for additional utensils.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A tropical fruit with a yellow peel and sweet, creamy interior, commonly consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications.A “banana” is a widely cultivated fruit belonging to the genus Musa. It is characterized by its elongated, curved shape, yellow peel when ripe, and soft, sweet flesh that is typically white or cream-colored. Bananas grow in clusters on large herbaceous plants, which are often mistaken for trees but are technically giant herbs. The fruit is a staple food in many tropical regions and is enjoyed worldwide due to its versatility, nutritional value, and pleasant taste.Bananas are rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. They are often eaten raw as a convenient snack, added to smoothies, cereals, and desserts, or used in baking recipes like banana bread and muffins. Beyond their culinary uses, bananas are also utilized in various cultural and traditional practices, including as offerings in some religions or as natural remedies for certain ailments.There are numerous varieties of bananas, with the Cavendish being the most commercially prominent globally. Other varieties include plantains, which are starchier and typically cooked before consumption, and red bananas, which have a reddish-purple skin and a sweeter flavor. The cultivation and export of bananas are significant economic activities in countries like Ecuador, the Philippines, Costa Rica, and India.Despite their popularity, bananas face challenges such as susceptibility to diseases like Panama disease, which threatens large-scale plantations. Sustainable farming practices and genetic research are ongoing to ensure the future resilience and availability of bananas in the global market.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms and related terms for “banana” include:- **Plantain**: Refers to a starchier variety of banana, typically cooked before eating.- **Cavendish**: The most common commercial variety of banana.- **Red Banana**: A variety with a reddish-purple skin and a sweeter taste.- **Lady Finger Banana**: A smaller, sweeter variety often used in desserts.- **Gros Michel**: An older commercial variety that was largely wiped out by Panama disease.While these terms refer to specific types of bananas, “banana” remains the most general and widely recognized term for the fruit in everyday language.
Writing
When writing about bananas in formal or academic contexts, specify the variety and purpose to provide clarity. For example:- **Agricultural Context**: “The Cavendish banana dominates the global market due to its resistance to previous banana diseases, although emerging threats like Panama disease pose significant risks.”- **Nutritional Context**: “Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin B6, making them beneficial for heart health and energy metabolism.”- **Culinary Context**: “Incorporating ripe bananas into baking enhances the sweetness and moisture of products like banana bread and muffins.”- **Economic Context**: “Banana exports are a crucial component of the economies in countries such as Ecuador and Costa Rica, providing livelihoods for millions of workers.”In creative or descriptive writing, emphasize sensory details and cultural significance: “The vibrant yellow peel of the banana contrasted beautifully against the dark green leaves, while its sweet aroma hinted at the creamy texture waiting inside.” When discussing environmental or sustainability issues, elaborate on challenges and solutions: “The banana industry must adopt sustainable farming practices to combat the spread of diseases and ensure long-term productivity.” Providing specific examples and detailed explanations enriches the reader’s understanding of bananas’ multifaceted roles in society, economy, and culture.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people often talk about bananas in the context of snacks, meals, or recipes:- **Eating Bananas**: “I grabbed a banana for a quick breakfast,” or “Bananas are my favorite smoothie ingredient.”- **Recipes and Cooking**: “Let’s make some banana bread this weekend,” or “I love frozen bananas dipped in chocolate as a healthy treat.”- **Health and Nutrition**: “Bananas are great for a potassium boost,” or “After my workout, I always reach for a banana to refuel.”- **Humorous or Casual Remarks**: Friends might joke, “He slipped on a banana peel like in the cartoons,” or “Bananas are basically nature’s candy.”- **Cultural References**: “We decorated the party with bunches of balloons and bananas,” or “She loves wearing banana prints on her clothes.”Additionally, people might use “banana” metaphorically or in idioms, such as “going bananas” to mean getting crazy or excited. In casual settings, bananas are associated with being healthy, tasty, and convenient, making them a frequent topic in discussions about food, fitness, and daily routines.
Etymology
The word “banana” likely originates from the West African Wolof language, where “banana” is similar to “banan,” meaning finger, referring to the fruit’s elongated shape. It entered English in the early 16th century, spreading through trade and exploration. The spread of bananas was facilitated by Portuguese and Spanish explorers who brought the fruit from Africa to the Caribbean, Central America, and other tropical regions. Over time, the word became standardized in English, and bananas became a widely cultivated and consumed fruit globally. The term’s evolution reflects the fruit’s journey from its native regions to becoming a staple in diets and cultures around the world.
