rennet

play

noun ren·net \ ˈre-nət \

Definition of rennet

1 a :the contents of the stomach of an unweaned animal and especially a calf

b :the lining membrane of a stomach or one of its compartments (such as the fourth of a ruminant) used for curdling milk; also :a preparation of the stomach of animals used for this purpose

2 a :rennin

b :a substitute for rennin

See rennet defined for kids

Recent Examples of rennet from the Web

Add rennet to remaining ¼ cup water and mix until dissolved.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "It may be fast-casual food, but Red Herring's menu 'isn't a joke'," 11 July 2017
Rennet rapidly converts milk into a cloudy gel by changing the structure of a milk protein called casein.

— jordan c. axelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "In Wisconsin, we love our cheese curds. But how are they made? And why do they squeak?," 7 July 2017
Remember, some vegetarians will not eat cheeses made with animal rennet.

— lauren williams, Orange County Register, "Tips from a cheese enthusiast on how to create the perfect cheese platter," 17 Feb. 2017
With the help of rennet (an enzyme), the milk’s physical form changes from liquid to solid (which become curds).

— allyson reedy, The Denver Post, "Why do we love cheese? We count the ways with experts of the ooey-gooey goodness.," 18 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rennet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rennet

Middle English, from Middle English *rennen to cause to coagulate, from Old English gerennan, from ge- together + *rennan to cause to run; akin to Old High German rennen to cause to run, Old English rinnan to run — more at co-, run

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

rennet

play

noun ren·net \ ˈren-ət \

medical Definition of rennet

1 a :the contents of the stomach of an unweaned animal and especially a calf

b :the lining membrane of a stomach or one of its compartments (as the fourth of a ruminant) used for curdling milk; also :a preparation of the stomach of animals used for this purpose

2 a :rennin

b :a substitute for rennin

Learn More about rennet

See words that rhyme with rennet Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rennet

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up rennet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

rennet

Definition of rennet

Recent Examples of rennet from the Web

Origin and Etymology of rennet

Medical Dictionary

rennet

medical Definition of rennet

Learn More about rennet

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

holus-bolus

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

"Immune to" or "Immune from"?

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

Welcome to the New Words

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name that Color!

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066

rennet

Definition of rennet

People Are Reading

Recent Examples of rennet from the Web

Origin and Etymology of rennet

Medical Dictionary

rennet

medical Definition of rennet

Learn More about rennet

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066