pestle

¹pes·tle

noun \ˈpe-səl, ˈpes-t^əl\

Definition of PESTLE

1

: a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar — see mortar illustration

2

: any of various devices for pounding, stamping, or pressing

Illustration of PESTLE

Origin of PESTLE

Middle English pestel, from Anglo-French, from Latin pistillum, from pinsere to pound, crush; akin to Greek ptissein to crush, Sanskrit pinaṣṭi he pounds

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum

Rhymes with PESTLE

crestal, vestal