A. Most hardware and houseware stores sell metal-covered counter top protector pads or hot pads.

Aaron handled the coffeepot off the fire with a hot pad and poured two cups.

A typical missile launch site had an active, or "hot" pad on which was kept the missile most ready to launch.

Two hot pads from the butler's closet were brought quickly.

He picked up a rock and used it as a hot pad to push the boulder.

She put the casserole of beans on a hot pad on the table.

Zane, please wash your hands for dinner," she said, using hot pads to lift the stew kettle to the table.

The coffee was acrid, having sat on the hot pad too long.

A tired-looking woman in an apron came to the door, a hot pad in her hand.

The slab itself also found use as a hot pad, a napkin and a hollowed-out dish for salt or candles.