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

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

For example, rennet, which is a group of enzymes derived from the stomachs of cows and other ruminant animals, is a common ingredient in cheeses.14 Supplements Certain kinds of proteases are available in supplement form. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

All cheesemakers first pump milk into a cheese vat and add a special enzyme called rennet. —John A. Lucey, The Conversation, 24 July 2024

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano hinges on animal rennet. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 8 Oct. 2023

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