pencas

[PEN-kas]
nounfemininepl: pencas
bunches, clusters, or stalks (of bananas, plantains, or similar plants)
1. A large hanging cluster of bananas or plantains as they grow on the plant
The farmer harvested several pencas of bananas from the plantation.
O agricultor colheu várias pencas de bananas da plantação.
2. Any cluster or bunch of elongated fruits or leaves arranged in a similar manner
The penca of plantains was heavy and ripe for picking.
A penca de plátanos estava pesada e pronta para colher.
3. In some regions, a section or segment of a larger plant structure
Each penca contained dozens of individual fruits.
Cada penca continha dúzias de frutos individuais.
Pencas is primarily an agricultural term used throughout Brazil, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where bananas and plantains are major crops. The word is deeply rooted in Brazilian rural culture and farming vocabulary, reflecting the importance of these fruits in the Brazilian diet and economy. It's commonly heard in fruit markets, on farms, and in culinary contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cachosmolhosaglomeradoscacimba

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pencas
Standard term for banana or plantain bunches in most of Brazil
Northeast Brazil
pencas
Commonly used in agricultural contexts; very familiar term
Amazon Region
pencas
Frequently used due to tropical fruit cultivation
Portugal
molhos/cachos
Less common; Portuguese speakers typically use alternative terms

Related Words

bananaplátanofrutacachocolheitaplantação

Related Idioms & Phrases

penca inteira - a whole bunch (figurative: the entire group or collection)
tirar uma penca - to harvest a bunch
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