Pestle
/ˈpɛs.əl/noun
A tool used for grinding or crushing substances in a mortar.
Did you know?The word 'pestle' is linked to the ancient practice of alchemy, where it symbolized the transformation of base materials into gold through grinding and mixing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pes-
“to crush or pound”
Latin
Latin
pestellum
“a small pestle or tool for pounding”
Old French
Old French
pestel
“a tool for grinding or crushing”
Middle English
Middle English
pestel
“a tool used for grinding in a mortar”
Modern English
English
pestle
“a club-shaped tool for crushing or grinding ingredients”
Explore more surprising origins