Spatula

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈspætʃʊlÉ™/

Origin

From Latin spatula ("a flat piece"), the diminutive form of spatha ("broad or flat tool") + -ula ("-ule"). Compare spatha and spathe.

Full definition of spatula

Noun

1. A kitchen utensil consisting of a flat surface attached to a long handle, used for turning, lifting, or stirring food.
2. (North America) A kitchen utensil consisting of a flexible surface attached to a long handle, used for scraping the sides of bowls.
3. (dated) A palette knife.
4. (chemistry) A thin hand tool, often made of nickel, for handling chemicals or other materials, when weighing, etc.

Synonyms

• (kitchen utensil for turning and lifting) fish slice, turner
• (kitchen utensil for scraping) scraper, dough scraper

Derived terms

• spatular
• spatulous

Related terms

• spatulate