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Tine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tine

[taɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

silverware

A metal container with a lid, spout, and handle, used for making and serving tea.

Synonyms

kettle, pot, teapot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tine

Same as the first entry. Refers to the prongs of a fork or a similar object.

  • The tine of the fork was bent.
  • Be careful with the tines, they are sharp.
teapot

Specifically refers to a vessel used for making and serving tea. Commonly mentioned in afternoon tea settings or when talking about tea rituals.

  • Pour the hot water into the teapot.
  • She served the tea from a beautiful porcelain teapot.
kettle

Used to describe a pot used for boiling water. Common in discussions about making tea, coffee, or boiling water for cooking.

  • Fill the kettle with water and set it to boil.
  • I always use an electric kettle to make my morning tea.
pot

A general-purpose word for any container used for cooking, boiling, or holding liquids. It's a versatile term used in many cooking and gardening contexts.

  • Stir the soup in the pot.
  • I planted a new flower in the pot.

Examples of usage

  • She poured the hot water into the tine and steeped the tea leaves.
  • The tine was decorated with intricate designs and patterns.
Context #2 | Noun

fork

One of the pointed parts at the end of a fork.

Synonyms

prong, spike, tooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tine

Used primarily when discussing the long, slender pointed parts of a fork or antler.

  • The deer's antlers had sharp tines.
  • The fork's tines were bent out of shape.
prong

Often used to describe a pointed part that sticks out from a tool or device, especially forks, tridents, or electrical plugs.

  • The prongs of the trident gleamed menacingly.
  • I need a plug with three prongs for this socket.
spike

Used to denote a sharp, pointed object or structure, commonly observed in fencing, athletics, and certain tools. It can carry negative connotations when referring to harmful objects.

  • The track event included tall hurdles with spikes.
  • He stepped on a wooden spike and injured his foot.
tooth

Primarily used in anatomy to describe the hard, bony structures in the mouth. Also used metaphorically to describe similar structures in gears, saws, and other tools.

  • She has a toothache and needs to see a dentist.
  • The gears need to align perfectly tooth by tooth.

Examples of usage

  • The fork had four tines, allowing for easy piercing of food.
  • He used the tine to spear a piece of meat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, tines refer to the branching points on an animal's antlers, which can indicate age and health.
  • Some fish have structures called 'tines' in their fins, which help with movement and stability.
  • Sharp tines on tools and devices enhance functionality, making them effective for a variety of tasks.

Cultural Significance

  • Tines of forks are culturally significant in dining etiquette, symbolizing refinement and table manners.
  • In medieval times, various crafts used tines in weaponry and agriculture, showcasing their utility.
  • Animal horns with tines were often used in traditional rituals and adornments, underlining their cultural relevance.

Literature

  • Tines often appear in poetry and prose as symbols of strength or defense, representing resilience.
  • In fantasy literature, creatures with impressive tines may be depicted as majestic or fearsome, contributing to their mythical status.
  • Metaphors involving tines often depict the idea of 'reaching out' or 'defending one's space' in various literary narratives.

Technology

  • Current agricultural tools often integrate tines for soil cultivation, enhancing efficiency in gardening.
  • In robotics, design elements resembling tines are utilized for gripping objects in automated processes.
  • Innovations in fishing gear have led to the development of tines that improve catch rates and ease of use.

Origin of 'tine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tine' comes from the Old English word 'tina', which referred to prongs or points.
  • It is commonly used in Middle English to describe the pointed parts of forks or antlers.
  • In modern usage, the term can also apply to specific tools like garden forks.

The word 'tine' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'tīn', meaning 'twig, rod, prong'. Over time, the meaning of 'tine' has evolved to refer to the pointed parts of silverware and forks. The word has been used in English language for centuries, adapting to different contexts and meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,639, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.