Definition

Noun: A tea maker is a covered spoon with perforations (small holes). It is a small kitchen utensil designed for brewing loose-leaf tea. The perforated container holds the tea leaves, allowing hot water to flow through and infuse while keeping the leaves contained for easy removal.

Usage

The word tea maker refers specifically to this type of infuser spoon. It is a countable noun. * You need a tea maker to brew this loose-leaf oolong properly. * She rinsed the tea maker after use. * I bought a new stainless steel tea maker.

Examples

• He filled the tea maker with Earl Grey leaves and placed it in his cup.
• A good tea maker should have fine enough perforations to prevent leaf particles from escaping.
• This tea maker comes with a lid to keep the heat in while steeping.

Advanced Usage

• As a general term: While "tea maker" can colloquially refer to a person who makes tea or an electric appliance, its precise definition in contexts like kitchenware is the perforated spoon infuser.
  • In the world of specialty tea, a tea maker is often this simple, elegant tool, not a machine.

Variants and Related Words

• Tea infuser: A more general term for any device used to steep loose tea leaves, which can include balls, baskets, or spoons.
• Tea ball: A specific type of infuser, often a hinged, spherical ball.
• Tea strainer: A different tool used to catch leaves when pouring tea from a pot, not used for steeping within the cup.

Synonyms

• Infuser spoon
• Tea infuser spoon
• Tea spoon (in the context of brewing, not measuring)

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Primary Meaning (Utensil): A perforated spoon for brewing tea, as defined above.
2. Other Common Meanings:
   • A person: Someone whose occupation is blending tea or preparing tea (e.g., a professional tea taster and blender).

     • She trained for years to become a master tea maker.
   • An appliance: An electric device that automates the brewing process, often for a pot of tea.

     • We received an automatic tea maker as a wedding gift.

It is important to distinguish these meanings based on context. The definition provided focuses on the utensil.

Noun

1. a covered spoon with perforations