noun
rennet
REN-it
Rennet (noun) means an enzyme used in cheese-making to curdle milk, traditionally obtained from the stomach of a young calf. Example: “The cheesemaker stirred a little rennet into the warm milk.”
noun
1
An enzyme used in cheese-making to curdle milk, traditionally obtained from the stomach of a young calf.
"The cheesemaker stirred a little rennet into the warm milk."
"Many hard cheeses are made with rennet."
"She bought vegetarian rennet for her homemade cheese."
How to use rennet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe substance that turns milk into curds when making cheese.
When to use it
It is a neutral word used mostly in cooking and food production.
Memory tip
It is usually uncountable, so say a little rennet rather than a rennet.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
add rennet
animal rennet
vegetarian rennet
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The cheesemaker stirred a little _____ into the warm milk.
Etymology
Rennet comes from Middle English, which took it from an Old English form. That form goes back to a Proto-West Germanic word connected with curdling.
Rhymes for rennet
See all rhymes for rennet →Frequently asked questions
What is rennet used for?
Rennet is used at the start of cheese-making to curdle milk.
Where does rennet come from?
Traditionally it is taken from the fourth stomach of a milk-fed calf.
Is rennet vegetarian?
Rennet from a calf's stomach is not vegetarian. Check the label for a vegetarian alternative.
What is the meaning of rennet?
"rennet" (noun) means an enzyme used in cheese-making to curdle milk, traditionally obtained from the stomach of a young calf.
