The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ribwort \Rib"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
A species of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) with long,
narrow, ribbed leaves; -- called also rib grass, ripple
grass, ribwort plantain.
[1913 Webster]