spatula

[spach-uh-luh]

noun

an implement with a broad, flat, usually flexible blade, used for blending foods or removing them from cooking utensils, mixing drugs, spreading plasters and paints, etc.

Origin of spatula

1515–25; < Latin: a flat piece, batten, equivalent to spath(a) spathe + -ula -ule

Related formsspat·u·lar, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for spatula

Contemporary Examples of spatula

He uses a spatula to flatten the onions and the meat together, creating a broad circular patty with an uneven edge.
The Most American Pit Stop in the U.S.A.
Jane & Michael Stern
July 21, 2014
Free up the crust with a spatula, and breaking it into smaller pieces, place and serve on separate serving dish.
Persian New Year Celebration With Author Azar Nafisi
Karen Fragala Smith
March 23, 2011
Sam was in the kitchen standing over a sizzling skillet of bacon, spatula in hand.
Ringing in the New Year on Wall Street
Beau Willimon
January 5, 2010

Historical Examples of spatula

The embryo has the form of a spatula with the head at one end and the tail at the other.
The Sexual Question
August Forel
They were accompanied by a metal stirrer (spatula) for turning the beans.
All About Coffee
William H. Ukers
Thus at one end there will be a probe, at the other a spatula, a spoon, or a hook.
Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times
John Stewart Milne
Both the rosin and soap should be well stirred with the spatula.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines
Andrew Ure
The offer of a hoe in exchange for her spatula was accepted with joy.
The Life and Labours of the Rev. Samuel Marsden
Samuel Marsden

British Dictionary definitions for spatula

spatula

noun

a utensil with a broad flat, often flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or stirring foods, etc

Derived Formsspatular, adjective

Word Origin for spatula

C16: from Latin: a broad piece, from spatha a flat wooden implement; see spathe

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for spatula

1520s, from Latin spatula "broad piece, spatula," diminutive of spatha "broad, flat tool or weapon," from Greek spathe "broad blade" (see spade (n.1)). Erroneous form spattular is attested from c.1600.