The spelling of "slotted spoon" is derived from its pronunciation, which is /ˈslɒtəd spuːn/. The word "slotted" refers to the holes or slots in the spoon, while "spoon" represents the utensil's bowl-shaped head. The phonetic transcription of the word shows the stress on the first syllable, with the "o" sound in "slotted" pronounced as a short "o" or /ɒ/. The "u" sound in "spoon" is pronounced as a long "u" or /uː/. Overall, the spelling of "slotted spoon" accurately reflects its pronunciation.
A slotted spoon is a type of kitchen utensil that is specifically designed for lifting and serving food items. It consists of a long handle with a wide, flat, and shallow bowl-shaped head. What sets it apart from regular spoons is the presence of small, evenly spaced slits or slots on the bowl, allowing liquids or small particles to drain away while retaining the solid food. These slots typically measure a few millimeters in width, ensuring efficient drainage without compromising the functionality of the spoon.
Slotted spoons are commonly utilized when cooking or serving foods that are cooked in liquid or contain sauces, such as vegetables, pasta, meatballs, or poached eggs. By using a slotted spoon, one can easily retrieve the food while simultaneously preventing excess liquid or sauce from being transferred to the plate. This makes it a versatile tool in the kitchen, facilitating the separation of solid items from liquids or broths.
The materials used to manufacture slotted spoons can vary, with common options including stainless steel, silicone, or plastic. Some slotted spoons feature ergonomic handles for comfortable grip and holes on the end of the handle for easy hanging/storage. Due to their practicality and convenience, slotted spoons are essential utensils found in most kitchens, providing efficient food serving, straining, and delivering excellent culinary results.
The word "slotted spoon" is a compound word composed of "slotted" and "spoon".
The term "spoon" can be traced back to Old English "spōn", which originally referred to a chip of wood or horn used for eating or serving. Over time, it evolved to mean a utensil with a shallow oval or round bowl and a handle, used for stirring, serving, and eating.
The adjective "slotted" is derived from the verb "slot", which is believed to have originated in Middle Dutch as "slutten" or "sluiten", meaning "to close" or "to lock". In the context of utensils, "slotted" refers to having narrow elongated openings or holes. This allows liquids to drain through while retaining solid ingredients.