rennet

noun

ren·​net ˈre-nət 

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

Examples of rennet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Produced in Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantua, Parmigiano Reggiano follows strict rules: just milk, salt, and rennet, with every wheel aged for at least 12 months. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The production of blue cheese involves several key steps: Milk preparation: The milk is warmed and combined with starter cultures and rennet to initiate curdling. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024

Kefir granules ferment milk as an alternative to the rennet commonly used in European cheesemaking. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024

Like most cheeses, making cheddar starts out with milk—usually from a cow—which gets added to cultures and rennet to curdle. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

rennet

noun

ren·​net ˈren-ət 

1

a

: the contents of the stomach of a young animal and especially a calf

b

: a part of the lining of the stomach that is used to curdle milk

2

: something used to curdle milk

especially : rennin

Medical Definition

rennet

noun

ren·​net ˈren-ət 

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