durum wheat

American  

[door-uhm, dyoor-] / ˈdʊər əm, ˈdjʊər- /

noun

1. a wheat, Triticum turgidum, the grain of which yields flour used in making pasta.

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Etymology

Origin of durum wheat

1905–10; < New Latin, the earlier specific epithet. See dure ¹

Example Sentences

While ancient varieties were shaped by intense competition, modern "elite" durum wheat has been bred to be less aggressive.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

On the other hand, crops such as sunflower, durum wheat, soybean, chickpeas, lemon and okra could become more viable, particularly in southwestern England or near the Scottish coast.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Now, a small percentage of dark-roasted grain is combined with regular durum wheat to create a nutty and chewy pasta that only needs pairing with the simplest of homemade tomato sauces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

With global production of durum wheat headed for a 22-year low, Italy's famed pasta makers have had to turn to unusual suppliers such as Turkey for their main ingredient.

From Reuters • Aug. 30, 2023

Macaroni and spaghetti are made by mixing durum wheat flour with water, without any leavening.

From Maintaining Health Formerly Health and Efficiency by Alsaker, R. L.