pestle

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛsəl/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun machine consisting of a heavy bar that moves vertically for pounding or crushing ores
  2. 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
  3. noun a club-shaped hand tool for grinding and mixing substances in a mortar

Etymology

From Middle English pestel, pestell, from Old French pestel, from Latin pistillum, from pīnsō (“pound, beat”). Doublet of pistil and pistillum.

In classic literature

Synonyms

stamp

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
machine

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