molcajete

American  

[mohl-kuh-he-tey] / ˌmoʊl kəˈhɛ teɪ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. a mortar and pestle set that is usually made of basalt or other roughly textured volcanic rock, and is used to grind and mix food.

---

Etymology

Origin of molcajete

First recorded in 1905–10; from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl mōlcaxitl, mulcazitl, from mōlli “something ground,” also “gravy, sauce” ( cf. guacamole, mole ⁶ ( def. )) + caxitl “bowl, cup, vessel”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

molcajete

The woman's mother had buried her molcajete, metate, comal, and cazuelas in a hole in the ground and fled.

From Salon ● Feb. 23, 2023

If you’re searching for a holiday gift that expresses artistry, utility and permanence — given its material, volcanic stone — there’s nothing quite like a molcajete from Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2022

The serving vessel is a stout three-legged molcajete carved from black volcanic rock.

From New York Times ● Oct. 18, 2021

The queso fundido, served in a molcajete, blends Oaxacan and Chihuahua cheeses with chorizo for a buttery, nutty and, well, delightfully stringy experience.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 2, 2017

When I pass The kitchen, I pet the molcajete, The turtle-shaped stone That could snap Your tongue And make it wag Crowns of fire.

From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto