noun
earthenware mortar; grinding bowl
A traditional Japanese ridged mortar (suribachi) used with a pestle (surikogi) for grinding sesame seeds, miso, and other ingredients.
See also: 擂り鉢
あたり鉢でごまをする。
Grind sesame seeds in a mortar.
祖母はあたり鉢とすりこぎで味噌をすっていた。
My grandmother used to grind miso with a mortar and pestle.
Compound of 当たり (atari, 'hitting' or 'grinding') and 鉢 (hachi, 'bowl'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the name likely refers to the grinding action inside the bowl.