planchas

Plancha is a Spanish term with several related meanings centered on flat, thin, or planar surfaces. The plural plachas can refer to metal sheets, cooking surfaces, irons, or exercises, depending on the context.

In metalworking and construction, una plancha is a flat sheet of metal or other material used as a structural element, panel, or component. Plancha sheets are common in shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and architecture, where they are shaped, joined, or pressed to form larger assemblies. The word can also describe a flat plate on countertops or machinery.

In cuisine, a plancha is a heated flat surface or grill used to cook food quickly at high heat. Dishes prepared a la plancha are seared with minimal fat, preserving moisture and flavor. The term is widely used in Spanish-speaking kitchens and in modern restaurants, where seafood, meat, and vegetables are cooked on a hot plancha.

In domestic use, plancha (iron) refers to the appliance used to press clothes. The traditional ironing plancha is heated and run over fabric to remove wrinkles; modern versions may include steam functions.

In fitness and sports, la plancha describes a core-strength exercise commonly known in English as the plank. The exercise involves maintaining a straight line from head to heels, supported on forearms or hands, and is performed in various variations to target core and shoulder stability.