Spatula - online puzzles

A spatula is a broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread and lift material including foods, drugs, plaster and paints. It derives from the Latin word for a flat piece of wood or splint (a diminutive form of the Latin spatha, meaning broadsword), and hence can also refer to a tongue depressor. The words spade (digging tool ) and spathe are similarly derived. The word spatula is known to have been used in English since 1525.

Use

Spatulas are usually used to scrape within the contours of a mixing bowl or to level off the top of a dry mixing cup. It is a tool with two flat edges on a flexible blade. A spatula is usually short and about 8 inches long. A spatula also refers to a turner which is used to flip over pancakes and meat patties.

In the kitchen

American English usage

In kitchen utensils, a spatula is any utensil fitting the above description. One variety is used to lift and flip food items during cooking, such as pancakes and fillets (known in British English as a fish slice).