Which 3-syllable word can either refer to a music instrument or a kitchen tool?

shady shaker

If you will allow a slight difference in spelling, I could be listening to you playing the mandolin - a four stringed instument related to the harp - as I sliced cabbage, carrots, turnips and potatoes with my mandoline - which features two adjustable stainless steel blades, designed particularly for slicing said vegetables. (The Reader's Digest Reverse Dictionary; The Concise Larousse Gastronomique) May 07 05, 7:44 AM

Flem-ish

American Heritage Dictionary allows that slight difference in spelling. And their definition of the kitchen utensil is broadly identical to yours. "Utensil consisting of a base into which adjustable blades are set, used to slice or cut fruits and vegetables". So it's yay for the shady shaker. May 07 05, 7:52 AM

gmackematix

You would have got number 15 on this then: http://www.funtrivia.com/bb.cfm?action=details&qnid=7616&boardid=5 May 07 05, 8:49 AM

gmackematix

OK so you can't link to the "Brainteasers" chatboard. If you look at my old "If You Can't Stand the Heat..." puzzle you'll see what I mean. May 07 05, 8:56 AM

Baloo55th

Slight technical objection: The commonest mandolin is the Neapolitan which has four courses of strings, but actually has eight strings as they are doubled. The Milanese mandolin has six single strings. The flat-back mandolin is strung like the Neapolitan. I play the Neapolitan type (and the banjo strung the same way as well - mandolin banjo or occasionally banjolin). And it ain't related to the harp except in that it's got strings - it's a mini-lute and related therefore to the Arabic ud or oud. May 07 05, 2:34 PM

shady shaker

Come on Baloo! You're just stringing us along! May 08 05, 8:49 AM

Baloo55th

Now would I do that? I just plucked up my courage to enlighten the unmusical out there.... Mind you, my instrument bag does contain two shakers - egg shaped ones. May 08 05, 2:09 PM