The Collaborative International Dictionary
Carya olivaeformis
Pecan \Pe*can"\, n. [Cf. F. pacane the nut.] (Bot.) A species of hickory ( Carya oliv[ae]formis), growing in North America, chiefly in the Mississippi valley and in Texas, where it is one of the largest of forest trees; also, its fruit, a smooth, oblong nut, an inch or an inch and a half long, with a thin shell and well-flavored meat. [Written also pacane.]