Parmesan

[ pahr-muh-zahn, -zan, -zuhn; pahr-muh-zahn, -zan ]

adjective

1. of or from Parma, in northern Italy.

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) Also called Parmesan cheese. a hard, dry variety of Italian cheese made from skim milk, usually grated and sprinkled over pasta dishes and soups.

Parmesan

/ ˌpɑːmɪˈzæn; ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn /

adjective

1. of or relating to Parma or its inhabitants

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Parma

Word History and Origins

Origin of Parmesan¹

1510–20; < Middle French < Italian parmigiano pertaining to Parma

Example Sentences

How on earth are we supposed to ditch the most carbon-intensive form of dairy in the face of melty pots of fondue and snowy piles of grated Parmesan?

From Salon

Villa, a part of the women’s team that took home silver, had an old sponsorship deal with Parmesan cheese maker Parmigiano Reggiano.

From Los Angeles Times

Lots of complex chemistry goes into the cheesemaking process, which can determine whether the cheese turns out soft and gooey like mozzarella or hard and fragrant like Parmesan.

From Salon

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining oil, orange zest and juice, vinegar, honey and mustard, season with salt and black pepper, and stir in the Parmesan until incorporated.

From Seattle Times

Cairo and I love the pasta with the truffle and Parmesan cheese, and Cree loves the beef ravioli.

From Los Angeles Times