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Spatula Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spatula

[ˈspætʃələ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

kitchen utensil

A spatula is a flat, flexible utensil used for flipping and lifting food such as pancakes, burgers, or cookies. It is typically made of metal or silicone and has a long handle for easy maneuvering.

Synonyms

flipper, slice, turner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spatula

Generally used in cooking to spread, mix, or lift food. A broad term that can refer to both flippers and turners.

  • She used a spatula to spread the icing on the cake.
  • The chef used a spatula to fold the ingredients together.
turner

Another term for a flipper, used in cooking for turning or flipping food items. It can be considered synonymous with 'flipper.'

  • He uses a turner to flip the fish fillets.
  • The cook reached for the turner to handle the delicate omelet.
flipper

Specifically used in cooking, especially for flipping foods like pancakes, burgers, or fish. Often has a long handle and a flat, wide blade.

  • He used a flipper to turn the pancakes.
  • The grill master expertly used a flipper to cook the burgers.
slice

Commonly used in cooking and baking, particularly for serving pie, cake, or pizza. It usually has a triangular shape and a flat, broad surface.

  • She grabbed a slice to serve the pizza.
  • The host used a slice to plate the cake for guests.

Examples of usage

  • A spatula is essential for flipping eggs in a frying pan.
  • She used a spatula to carefully remove the cookies from the baking sheet.
  • The chef used a spatula to lift the fish fillet off the grill.
Context #2 | Noun

medical instrument

In medicine, a spatula refers to a small, flat instrument used for scraping cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. It is commonly used in gynecology for Pap smears.

Synonyms

collector, scraper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spatula

Same as the first entry for 'spatula'.
scraper

A scraper is used to remove or clean a surface, such as scraping off paint or food residue. It typically has a handle and a sharp or flat edge. It's also used in a construction context for leveling out surfaces.

  • He used a scraper to remove the old paint from the wall.
  • The construction worker employed a large scraper to even out the soil.
collector

A collector is someone who gathers or amasses items, usually of a particular type, such as stamps, coins, or art. The term can also refer to a device that collects something, such as dust or sunlight.

  • He is a well-known collector of rare books.
  • The solar collector on the roof helped reduce the household's energy costs.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor used a spatula to collect a sample for the biopsy.
  • The nurse gently scraped the cells with a spatula for analysis.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'spatula'

The word 'spatula' originated from the Latin word 'spathula', which means 'small flat piece of wood'. It has been used in English since the 1520s to refer to a tool with a broad, flat blade. Over time, the spatula has evolved into a versatile kitchen utensil used for various cooking tasks.

See also: spatter.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,488, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.