Pestle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpÉ›sÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -É›sÉ™l

Origin

Via Old French pestel, from Latin pistillum, from pīnsō ("pound, beat").

Online Etymology Dictionary

Cognate to pesto.

Full definition of pestle

Noun

1. A club-shaped, round-headed stick used in a mortar to pound, crush, rub or grind things.
2. (archaic) A constable's or bailiff's staff; so called from its shape.
3. The leg and leg bone of an animal, especially of a pig.a pestle of pork

Coordinate terms

• muddler

Verb

1. To pound, crush, rub or grind (things), as in a mortar with a pestle.

Related terms

• pesto
• pistil