Dictionary
banyan
noun ban·yan \ˈban-yən, -ˌyan\
: an Indian tree with long branches that send roots down to the ground forming secondary trunks
Full Definition of BANYAN
: an East Indian fig tree (Ficus benghalensis) of the mulberry family with branches that send out roots which grow down to the soil and form secondary trunks
See banyan defined for English-language learners
See banyan defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of BANYAN
Origin of BANYAN
earlier banyan Gujarati trader, from Portuguese banean, probably from Tamil vāniyan trader, from Sanskrit vāṇija; from a tree of the species in Iran under which such traders conducted business
First Known Use: 1634
Rhymes with BANYAN
Learn More About BANYAN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: banyan dayPrevious Word in the Dictionary: banxringAll Words Near: banyan
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up banyan? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).