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Tongs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tongs

[tษ’ล‹z ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

kitchen utensil

Tongs are a tool consisting of two arms joined with a pivot, used for picking up and holding things. They are commonly used in cooking for flipping food or serving items.

Synonyms

nippers, pincers, pliers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tongs

Tongs are commonly used in cooking or serving food, allowing you to grip and lift items like salad, hot food, or ice cubes. They are typically long and have a scissor-like appearance.

  • Can you pass me the tongs to serve the salad?
  • She used the tongs to flip the steaks on the grill.
pincers

Pincers are tools designed for gripping and pulling out nails or other objects. They have a strong grip and are often used in carpentry or by blacksmiths.

  • The carpenter used pincers to remove the old nails from the wood.
  • Pincers are essential for any blacksmith to grip hot metal.
nippers

Nippers are small tools with sharp edges, mostly used for cutting small wires or trimming nails. They are commonly found in manicure or electrical tool kits.

  • The electrician used nippers to cut the thin wire.
  • She carefully trimmed her nails with nippers.
pliers

Pliers are versatile tools used for gripping, bending, or cutting wires and other materials. They come in different types, such as needle-nose or flat-nose pliers, and are commonly found in toolboxes.

  • He used pliers to twist the wires together.
  • The mechanic used needle-nose pliers to reach into the tight space.

Examples of usage

  • She used tongs to pick up the hot toast.
  • The chef used tongs to flip the steak on the grill.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Use

  • Tongs are a kitchen essential, helpful for grilling, frying, and serving, allowing cooks to avoid burns.
  • Different types of tongs exist: straight for flipping, locking tongs for easy storage, and serving tongs for salads.

Cultural Significance

  • In many Asian cultures, tongs are often used to serve foodโ€”promoting sharing and communal dining.
  • Barbecue cultures around the world often feature specialized tongs designed for handling large cuts of meat.

Design and Materials

  • Tongs can be made from various materials like stainless steel, silicone, and bamboo, each suited for different cooking methods.
  • The design of tongs has evolved over time, with modern versions often incorporating heat-resistant features.

Historical Context

  • Tongs have a long history, utilized in ancient kitchens and blacksmith shops for grip and safety.
  • Some archaeological finds show that primitive tongs were shaped from wood or metal, dating back to ancient civilizations.

Origin of 'tongs'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tongs' comes from the Old English word 'tange', which referred to a gripping tool.
  • In Latin, the term 'tangere' means 'to touch', connecting the idea of picking things up with your hands.

The word 'tongs' originated from the Old English word 'tang', which means 'pair of pincers'. Tongs have been used for centuries in various cultures for handling hot objects and cooking utensils. They have evolved over time to become an essential tool in the kitchen and other industries.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,495, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.