amoladora
/amolaˈdoɾa/
The Spanish word for grinder is amoladora.
Meaning: kitchen gadget (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb amolar, which means to sharpen or grind.
Which one should you use?
Use trituradora when referring formally to machines or devices that crush or grind materials. In informal settings in some Latin American countries, you might hear picatodo used for a grinder meant for chopping or mincing ingredients.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, amoladora specifically refers to an angle grinder or power tool. In Mexico, a traditional mortar and pestle used for grinding is known as a molcajete.
How does it change in a sentence?
amoladora is a feminine noun, so it is preceded by the feminine article la. The plural form is amoladoras.
How do you pronounce it?
/amolaˈdoɾa/
Did you know?
- In some regions, amolar can be used colloquially to mean 'to annoy' or 'to bother' someone, creating a potential double meaning when discussing the act of grinding.
- The word amoladora shares a common ancestor with the English word 'molar', referring to the teeth used for grinding food. Both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root for grinding or crushing.
- The suffix -dora in amoladora is not just a noun marker, but a functional label for a person or thing that performs an action. Because it comes from the verb amolar, it identifies the object as the 'sharpening agent' itself.
Examples in context
- La trituradora de papel puede destruir documentos confidenciales de forma segura.The paper shredder can securely destroy confidential documents.
- Me gustaría comprar un molinillo de café para disfrutar de un café recién molido.I would like to buy a coffee grinder to enjoy freshly ground coffee.
- Vamos a necesitar un picatodo para picar las verduras para la ensalada.We'll need a grinder to chop the vegetables for the salad.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are preparing coffee in the kitchen.
- LucíaJavier, ¿dónde está la amoladora?Javier, where is the grinder?
- JavierEstá en el cajón de los utensilios.It is in the utensil drawer.
- LucíaGracias, voy a moler el café ahora.Thanks, I am going to grind the coffee now.
- JavierPerfecto, yo pondré el agua a calentar.Perfect, I will heat the water.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amoladora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amoladora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
