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
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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