Tined: meaning, definitions and examples

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tined

[taɪnd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

canned food

Tined refers to food that has been preserved and packaged in a tin can. This method of preservation allows food to be stored for long periods without spoiling, making it a convenient option for consumption.

Synonyms

canned, packed, preserved.

Examples of usage

I bought tined tomatoes for the sauce.
The supermarket has a variety of tined vegetables.
He prefers tined meat because it's easy to store.
The recipe calls for tined corn.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'tine' comes from the Old English 'tina', which means a prong or tooth.
In the early 15th century, 'tine' referred specifically to the prongs of a fork, which are typically three or four in number.
Related words in other languages like 'tine' in Latin (dentis) and 'diente' in Spanish also mean tooth or point.

Tools and Agriculture

Tined tools are commonly used in farming, such as rakes and cultivators, where prongs help loosen soil and remove weeds.
Different tines are designed for specific tasks, like the short tines of a garden fork for turning soil and long raking tines for gathering leaves.
The variation in tines can affect efficiency; wider tines can cover more area but may be less precise than narrower ones.

Culinary Use

The most common culinary use of tined utensils, like forks, is to hold food while cutting or to lift food to the mouth.
Various cultures have different tine arrangements and styles—some forks have two tines while others have three or more, reflecting diverse dining traditions.
In Asian cuisine, chopsticks are used similarly to tined utensils, showing how different cultures adapt tools for similar purposes.

Art and Symbolism

In art, tines can symbolize precision and delicacy, often represented in sculptures and designs that require fine detail.
In literature, references to tines may depict conflict or intrusion, as a pointed object represents an element of danger or focus.
Tines in heraldic imagery forge a connection to strength, with symbols incorporating tined shapes suggesting readiness and defense.

Science and Nature

Studies show that animals, including deer and moose, have tined antlers used in displays of dominance and attraction during mating seasons.
In the marine world, certain species, like the pufferfish, develop tines as a defense mechanism, projecting spikes when threatened.
The structure of tines in nature can inspire architectural designs, reflecting how natural forms can influence human creations.