elephant ear

[ el-uh-fuhnt eer ]

noun

1. Also elephant's-ear. any of various plants with very large, sturdy leaves shaped somewhat like an elephant’s ear in shape, especially a plant of the arum family (Aracea), including caladium, malanga, and taro.
2. Cooking.
   1. a large, flat, sugared pastry made from fried dough, somewhat resembling an elephant's ear.
   2. palmier.

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephant ear¹

First recorded in 1865–70 elephant ear fordef 1

Example Sentences

The specimen from Chinaj was found in water in the axil of a large elephant-ear plant (Xanthosoma) by day in March.

From Project Gutenberg

In the daytime individuals were found in the axils of leaves of the elephant-ear plants (Xanthosoma).

From Project Gutenberg

Both were found in the axils of elephant ear plants (Xanthosoma).

From Project Gutenberg

Smilisca baudini seeks daytime retreats in bromeliads, elephant-ear plants (Xanthosoma), and beneath bark or in holes in trees.

From Project Gutenberg

In the daytime, individuals were found in elephant ear plants (Xanthosoma) at Chinaj, Guatemala.

From Project Gutenberg