Tongue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tongue
[tʌŋ ]
Definitions
human anatomy
The fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a human, used for tasting, swallowing, and speaking.
Synonyms
language, speech organ, taste organ.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tongue |
Used informally to refer to a language or way of speaking, often in phrases involving idioms or expressions.
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| language |
Used to describe a system of communication used by a particular country or community.
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| speech organ |
Used in a more scientific or technical context to refer to any part of the body involved in producing speech, not just the tongue, but also the lips, teeth, and vocal cords.
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| taste organ |
Specifically used to refer to the tongue in its function of tasting.
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Examples of usage
- He stuck out his tongue at the doctor.
- She accidentally bit her tongue while eating.
- I burned my tongue on the hot soup.
animal anatomy
An analogous organ in other animals used for licking, grooming, and conveying food.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tongue |
This word has no different spellings or meanings in this list, being identical to the first entry.
|
| licker |
This term is very informal and rarely used. It may have a playful or slightly humorous connotation but can be perceived as immature in adult conversations.
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Examples of usage
- The dog licked its wounds with its tongue.
- The giraffe's long tongue helps it reach leaves on tall trees.
informal
To touch or lick with the tongue.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tongue |
Use when referring to the muscle in the mouth that helps with tasting, swallowing, and speaking.
|
| lick |
Use when referring to passing the tongue over something. It can sometimes have a playful or casual connotation, but may be seen as impolite or inappropriate depending on the context.
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| lap |
Use when referring to the area between the knees and the hips of a person when they are seated. Also used for a complete trip around a race track.
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Examples of usage
- The cat tongue its fur to clean itself.
- He tongue the envelope to seal it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- The surface of the tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which hold taste buds for different flavors.
- The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body relative to its size, playing a crucial role in digestion and speech.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, sticking out your tongue can mean different things – it might show disrespect or be a playful gesture!
- Tongue twisters, like 'She sells sea shells,' are used in language training to improve pronunciation and fluency.
Psychology
- The tongue's movements are linked to brain activity; when people speak, their tongue and brain work closely together.
- People often develop a strong association between taste and memory, leading to 'taste memories' that can evoke emotions.
Literature
- The phrase 'tongue in cheek' is used to describe something said humorously or insincerely, often in storytelling.
- In poetry, the tongue can symbolize communication and the power of words, reflecting the importance of speech in human experience.
Origin of 'tongue'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tongue' comes from the Old English 'tunge,' which has roots in Germanic languages.
- In Latin, the word for tongue is 'lingua,' which is also the source of many words related to language and speaking.
The word 'tongue' originates from the Old English word 'tunge', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'tungan'. The human tongue has been a symbol of communication, taste, and expression throughout history, with various cultural and symbolic meanings attached to it.