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Teaspoon

VolumeUS Customarytsp

Definition and History

The teaspoon is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking and medicine, equal to approximately 5 milliliters. It is a standard measurement in recipes and is also used for administering liquid medications in small doses.

The teaspoon was originally based on the volume of a standard teaspoon used for stirring tea. It has become a standardized unit for measuring small amounts of ingredients in cooking and medicine.

The teaspoon is approximately equal to 0.17 fluid ounces in the US customary system, making it a convenient unit for measuring small quantities of liquids and powders.

Usage and Applications

Teaspoons are extensively used in cooking and baking for measuring small amounts of ingredients like spices, extracts, baking powder, and salt. They are essential for precise recipe measurements.

In medicine and pharmacy, teaspoons are used for measuring liquid medication doses, particularly for children and small animals. They provide a practical unit for home medication administration.

Scientific and Engineering Applications

In laboratory settings, teaspoons are sometimes used for measuring small quantities of chemicals and reagents in chemistry experiments and research.

In food science and nutrition, teaspoons are used for measuring serving sizes and nutritional content calculations in dietary analysis and food labeling.

International Standards

The teaspoon is officially defined as exactly 4.92892 milliliters in the US customary system. It is a standardized unit that provides consistency in cooking and medical measurements.

The teaspoon is widely recognized and used in many countries for cooking and medical applications, ensuring consistency in recipe measurements and medication dosing.

Did You Know?

The teaspoon is based on actual spoons! A US teaspoon is 4.93 ml, while a metric teaspoon is exactly 5 ml. This small difference exists because the US teaspoon was based on actual silverware, while the metric teaspoon is a standardized unit. In medicine, teaspoons are still used for liquid medications because they're easier to measure than milliliters!

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