pala

shovel

noun PAH-lah Rare

Origin: From Latin pala (spade, shovel).

Also means

blade (of oar/paddle)

Usage Note

Pala refers to a shovel or spade used for digging, but also to the flat blade of a paddle, oar, or racquet. The phrase a pala can mean 'by the shovelful' or figuratively 'in abundance'. It also names the flat bat used in the game of paleta (paddle tennis). Context distinguishes the senses clearly.

Examples

"Usé una pala para quitar la nieve."

Natural Translation

I used a shovel to clear the snow.

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