pecan

[pi-kahn, -kan, pee-kan]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pecan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pecan¹

C18: from Algonquian paccan; related to Ojibwa pagân nut with a hard shell, Cree pakan

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.

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

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Beginners are advised to start with the larger nuts, such as the Brazil nut, and then work their way downward in size, through the pecan, the cashew, and the hazelnut.

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A glossy pumpkin butter practically begs for chopped pecans, a spoonful of almond butter and a whisper of cream cheese.

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If that doesn't seem enough there's a special cocktail, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, which blends Johnnie Walker with the bright citrus of marmalade, with pecan foam and a toasted marshmallow on a biscuit.

Read more on BBC