metate

This is a kitchen device of Central America. Used for grinding corn into masa, it consists of a curved, rectilinear base, and a rolling-pin like device which is thicker in the center, and more slender at the ends, the curve of which fits the curve of the rectilinear base. This device usually stands on four squat legs and is hewn from basalt usually, and is used to grind corn kernels into masa when is then used for making corn tortillas.

Me*ta"te (?), n. [Sp., fr. Mex. metlatl.]

A flat or somewhat hollowed stone upon which grain or other food is ground, by means of a smaller stone or pestle. [Southwestern U. S. & Sp. Amer.]

© Webster 1913