A spatula is a hand-held tool that is used for lifting, flipping, or spreading substances.
Spatulas have a handle that is long enough to keep the holder's hand away from what is being lifted or spread. For example, in cooking, the spatula must keep the holder's hand away from any heat.
The blade of the device is wide and thin. The shape of the blade varies, with square and rectangular shapes being most common. The blade is usually somewhat flexible. Spatula blades are often longer on the right side than the left, as this is more effective for right-handed people. There are also left-handed spatulas, but these are rarer.
Spatulas are usually made of plastic or metal but wooden and rubber ones are also sometimes used. In cooking, metal spatulas generally have a wood or plastic handle to insulate it from the heat. Rubber spatulas are more commonly used for applying frosting or manipulating batter or dough.
A spatula is essential for many types of cooking. They are especially needed when frying foods that need to be flipped. Spatulas can also be used to serve food. The blade of a cooking spatula is often slotted to allow liquids to flow through. In British English, this slotted utensil is called a fish slice.
In construction and art, spatulas are used for spreading materials such as plaster or paint.
There are many varieties of spatula. A frosting spatula has a long, thin blade. Spatulas designed to be used with a barbeque or other open flame have longer handles. A Chinese spatula is designed to be used with a wok; one edge is curved and they are firmer to handle large amounts of food.
The name is derived from the Latin term spatha which means a broad sword or a flat piece of wood. This word is also the origin of the words spade and spathe.
