Pestle
['pes(ə)l] or ['pɛstl]
Definition
(noun.) a club-shaped hand tool for grinding and mixing substances in a mortar.
(noun.) a heavy tool of stone or iron (usually with a flat base and a handle) that is used to grind and mix material (as grain or drugs or pigments) against a slab of stone.
(verb.) grind, mash or pulverize in a mortar; 'pestle the garlic'.
Editor: Sidney--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) An implement for pounding and breaking or braying substances in a mortar.
(n.) A constable's or bailiff's staff; -- so called from its shape.
(n.) The leg and leg bone of an animal, especially of a pig; as, a pestle of pork.
(v. t. & i.) To pound, pulverize, bray, or mix with a pestle, or as with a pestle; to use a pestle.
Checked by Kenneth
Definition
n. an instrument for pounding anything in a mortar.—v.t. and v.i. to pound with a pestle: to use a pestle.
Edited by Claudette
Examples
- I told his impudence that the gilt pestle and mortar was quite ornament enough; as if I was born, indeed, to be a country surgeon's wife! William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Blanch the bitter almonds and bruise them in a Wedgwood mortar, adding thereto the glycerine and using the pestle vigorously; a smooth paste is thus obtained. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
Typist: Oliver