an olive-shaped, edible nut with a thin, smooth shell
the North American tree (Carya illinoensis) of the walnut family on which it grows
Origin:
18th-c. Mississippi Valley Fr pacane < Illinois pakani
See pecan in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A deciduous tree (Carya illinoinensis) of the central and southern United States, having deeply furrowed bark, pinnately compound leaves, and edible nuts.