Definition of pecan
1 : a large hickory (Carya illinoinensis synonym C. illinoensis) that has roughish bark and hard but brittle wood and is widely grown in the warmer parts of the U.S. and in Mexico for its edible nut
2 : the wood of the pecan tree The hardwood floor was made of pecan.
3 : the smooth oblong thin-shelled nut of the pecan tree bought some pecans to make a pie
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of pecan from the Web
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Each of these products may have undeclared traces of peanuts and some tree nuts, which include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts and coconuts.
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These bars may contain peanuts and some tree nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, and coconuts.
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In a food processor, pulse pecans, dates and salt until finely ground.
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Mix in chicken, cherries, celery, spinach, onion and pecans.
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Kircher uses simple ingredients such as pecans, cashews, coconut oil, fruit and salt to create nut butters that have six flavors including coconut cashew, honey almond, date pecan, bourbon maple walnut, coffee almond and strawberry cashew.
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This is a good thing, because an overabundance of pecans can give a pie a bitter edge.
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The pecans of the northern trees are much smaller that those growing in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States.
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In medium bowl, with hands, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, lemon zest and salt.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pecan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of pecan
American French pacane, from Illinois pakani
PECAN Defined for English Language Learners
pecan
playDefinition of pecan for English Language Learners
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: a nut that grows on a tall tree in the United States and Mexico and that can be eaten
PECAN Defined for Kids
pecan
playDefinition of pecan for Students
: an oval edible nut related to the walnut that usually has a thin shell and is the fruit of a tall tree of the central and southern United States
Learn More about pecan
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See words that rhyme with pecan Spanish Central: Translation of pecan Nglish: Translation of pecan for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pecan for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pecan
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