They pound away with mortars (7)
I believe the answer is:
pestles
This clue might be a double definition.
'they pound away' is the first definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not. However, I know that 'pound' relates to this answer.
'mortars' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
I also know that 'mortars' relates to this answer.
'with' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pestles that I've seen before include "They're used for grinding" , "Tools to grind material against stone" .)