Definition

A heavy stone slab with a smooth, curved surface used for grinding grains, especially corn, with a smaller stone called a mano.

Example

The chef used a metate to grind the corn into flour for the tortillas.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a metate in action?

No, I haven't. What is it used for?

It's a stone tool used for grinding grains, like corn.

That sounds interesting! I'd love to see one sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Metate** → The word 'metate' comes from Spanish 'metate', which is derived from the Nahuatl word 'metatl', meaning a stone tool used for grinding. It refers specifically to a flat stone used in conjunction with a hand-held stone to grind grains or seeds.

Memory Tip

Imagine a flat stone ('metate') used for grinding grains, which helps you remember that a metate is a tool for grinding.

Visually Confused Words