teaspoon

UK: ˈtiːspuːn | US: ˈtiˌspun

Definition

  1. n. a small spoon used for stirring or measuring tea or other beverages

  2. n. a unit of volume in cooking, equal to about 5 milliliters

Structure
tea <drink made from tea leaves>spoon <utensil for eating or serving>
Etymology

The word "teaspoon" is a straightforward compound of "tea" and "spoon." "Tea" originates from the Chinese word "茶" (chá), borrowed via Dutch and Malay, while "spoon" comes from Old English "spōn," meaning a chip of wood or a utensil. The term emerged in the 17th century as tea-drinking became popular in Europe, necessitating a specialized spoon for serving or measuring tea.

Examples

  1. She stirred her tea with a silver teaspoon.

  2. Add one teaspoon of sugar to the mixture.

  3. The recipe calls for two teaspoons of vanilla extract.

  4. He absentmindedly tapped the teaspoon against his cup.

  5. A teaspoon is smaller than a tablespoon but larger than a demitasse spoon.