Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Pestle
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of one word substitutes related to common household and laboratory tools. The description given in the stem refers to a specific object used in combination with a mortar for grinding and pounding substances. Recognising such words is important for vocabulary building and for understanding descriptions in science and daily life.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A mortar is the bowl in which substances are crushed. The matching tool is the heavy club shaped piece used to pound or grind the material. The question wants the specific noun for that tool. We must differentiate between words that may sound similar but have very different meanings, and select the one that is used with a mortar.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
In common expressions, we always hear mortar and pestle together. If you read recipes or pharmacy instructions, they consistently refer to grinding herbs with a pestle in a mortar. None of the other options form such a fixed phrase with mortar. This collocation check confirms that pestle is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Thistle is a plant and has no functional connection with a mortar.
Stifle is a verb that describes suppressing emotions, noise, or development, not a physical tool.
Sceptre is a ceremonial staff and is related to monarchy and authority, not to pounding substances.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may be misled by sound similarity between thistle and pestle or between sceptre and pestle. Another typical error is not recalling the exact spelling and confusing these words. To avoid such mistakes, remember common word pairs such as mortar and pestle and think of the function described in the stem rather than just the sound of the word.
Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for the given expression is Pestle.
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