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, Americanism; < 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

In 2009, the duo reintroduced one of its classic flavor — butter pecan — as “Yes Pecan!”

From Salon

He mentioned the pecan plantation farther out of town and how local churches recently hosted 45 Israeli soldiers who were on a break from the war in Gaza.

From Los Angeles Times

Pecan's chief executive Peter Edwards previously told the BBC the burglary had "had a devastating impact" which hit "the most vulnerable people in our community".

From BBC

Southwark Foodbank, which is operated by Pecan on Peckham High Street, was targeted by thieves on Sunday who took about £3,000 of food and hygiene products, as well as a laptop.

From BBC

Their scoops of malted salted vanilla ice cream with pecan pralines came in cups donning a picture of Harris and the flavor name: “MVP,” a moniker that could refer to Most Valuable Player or Madame Vice President.

From Los Angeles Times