pestle
word
Definition
A pestle is a heavy, usually club-shaped tool used for grinding and crushing substances in a mortar, especially in cooking or pharmacy.
Usage & Nuances
'Pestle' is almost always used with 'mortar' as in 'mortar and pestle.' It is a formal or specific term from cooking, pharmacy, and science. Not used metaphorically. Pronounced 'PESS-el.' Don't confuse it with 'pistol.'
Spanish: mano (de mortero) - pilónPortuguese (BR): pilão - pistilo (de almofariz)Portuguese (PT): pistilo (de almofariz) - pilãoChinese (Simplified): 杵Chinese (Traditional): 杵Hindi: ओखली का मूसलArabic: مدقة
Example Sentences
She used a pestle to crush garlic for the recipe.
basic
The pestle is heavy and made of stone.
basic
Please wash the pestle after use.
basic
I can’t find the pestle—did you check the spice drawer?
natural
Nothing works better than a mortar and pestle for grinding fresh herbs.
natural
He broke the old pestle by dropping it on the floor.
natural