griddle

This term specifically describes a flat, heavy cooking surface, distinguishing it from a frying pan which has raised sides. It evokes a sense of industrial or traditional breakfast cooking, where large quantities of food can be seared simultaneously across a wide, conductive area.

As a verb, it describes a specific method of dry or lightly oiled searing. While similar to grilling, griddling occurs on a solid surface rather than over an open grate, resulting in a uniform golden-brown crust rather than distinct char marks.