parm

Parm is a term with several distinct meanings in English. The most common usage is as a shorthand for Parmesan cheese, especially in casual speech, on menus, and in recipes. It also serves as an informal abbreviation for parameter in technical writing or programming. In some contexts, “Parm” appears in proper names or geographic references, though the standard spellings are Parmesan and Parma.

Parmigiano-Reggiano, commonly sold as Parmesan, is a hard, granular cheese from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. It is traditionally made from cow's milk and aged for 12 months or longer, producing a savory, nutty flavor with a crystalline texture. In cooking, it is widely grated over pasta and risotto, shaved into salads, or used in sauces. In American cuisine, dishes such as chicken parmigiana and eggplant parmigiana commonly use the abbreviation “parm” on menus.

In computing and mathematics, parm is an informal abbreviation for parameter. It may appear in code as a variable name (for example, parm or param) or in documentation describing inputs or configuration settings. The more formal terms param or parameter are usually preferred in technical writing, but “parm” can be encountered in legacy code, notes, or casual references.

Note also that Parma is a city and province in northern Italy; “Parm” is not the standard form for the place. The root behind Parmesan and Parma reflects the same geographical origin, but in modern usage the forms are distinct and should be used according to context.