Meaning & use
spatula chemistry
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnicalspecialist
A small, flat-bladed tool used in laboratories to scoop, transfer, or mix small amounts of solid chemicals.
Grammar: Countable; plural is 'spatulas'.
Patterns
- use a spatula
- clean the spatula
- a spatula for something
The chemist used a spatula to transfer the powder into the beaker.
Always clean the spatula before using it with a different chemical.
A metal spatula is preferred for scooping corrosive solids.
Word forms
| plural | spatulas |
|---|
Common combinations
- metal spatula
- A metal spatula is durable and easy to clean.
- scoop with a spatula
- Scoop the crystals with a spatula and place them on the scale.
- spatula tip
- Use the spatula tip to mix the small sample.
- clean spatula
- A clean spatula prevents contamination.
Synonyms and how they differ
- lab spoon
- A similar tool, but often with a spoon-shaped end rather than a flat blade.
- micro spatula
- A smaller version used for very tiny amounts.
Word family
- spatulate adjective
- Shaped like a spatula; broad and flat at the end.
Commonly confused: spatula chemistry or kitchen spatula?
spatula chemistry vs kitchen spatula
A kitchen spatula is a cooking utensil with a wide, flexible blade, not a laboratory tool.
Practice
What is a spatula used for in chemistry?
Choose one answer.
In chemistry, a spatula is used to scoop and transfer solids. Option 0 is a graduated cylinder or pipette, option 1 is a burner, and option 3 is a filter funnel.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “spatula chemistry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.