pecan

American  

[pi-kahn, -kan, pee-kan] / pɪˈkɑn, -ˈkæn, ˈpi kæn /

noun

1. a tall hickory tree, Carya illinoinensis, of the southern U.S. and Mexico, cultivated for its oval, smooth-shelled, edible nuts: the state tree of Texas.

2. a nut of this tree.

---

pecan British  

/ pɪˈkæn, ˈpiːkən /

noun

1. a hickory tree, Carya pecan (or C. illinoensis ), of the southern US, having deeply furrowed bark and edible nuts

2. the smooth oval nut of this tree, which has a sweet oily kernel

---

Etymology

Origin of pecan

1765–75, < Mississippi Valley French pacane < Illinois pakani < Proto-Algonquian *paka·n- nut (derivative of *pake·- crack nuts)

Example Sentences

It also incorporates a variety of toppings, such as shreds of TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar, dried apple chips with cinnamon, and crunchy pieces of pecan.

From Salon

Gone are the sweet potatoes, pecan pie and corn muffins.

From The Wall Street Journal

Grapes, for example, can withstand large amounts of water, especially in cold temperatures, and so can pecan trees, said Philip Bachand, an environmental engineer who has worked with Cameron on recharge.

From Seattle Times

Friday is the perfect day for a delicious combination: chocolate and pecan pie.

From Fox News

Take pecans out of oven and allow to cool.

From Fox News