How Do You Spell TONGS?

Pronunciation: [tˈɒŋz] (IPA)

The word "tongs" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /tɑːŋz/. This means that the first sound in the word is a voiced alveolar stop /t/, followed by an open back unrounded vowel /ɑː/. The next sound is a voiced alveolar nasal /n/, and the final sound is a voiced alveolar fricative /z/. The spelling of "tongs" reflects its pronunciation, which is important for effective communication. Tongs are used for gripping and lifting objects, such as logs, coal or ice.

TONGS Meaning and Definition

  1. Tongs refer to a versatile tool typically made of metal that consists of two arms or blades hinged together at one end, often held together with a spring mechanism. Designed for gripping, lifting, or manipulating objects, tongs are commonly used in a variety of settings, including kitchens, workshops, laboratories, and industrial environments.

    The arms of tongs are usually long and slender, terminating in flat, curved, or pointed ends, depending on their intended use. This design allows for a secure grasp or grip when handling objects, enabling better control and reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

    The most common uses of tongs are in cooking and food preparation, where they are indispensable utensils for turning and flipping food items while cooking, grilling, or serving. They also play a significant role in serving salads, pasta, and other ingredients, ensuring hygienic and clean transfer from serving dishes to individual plates.

    Furthermore, tongs find application in various industrial processes, such as forging and metalworking, where they aid in holding and manipulating hot or hazardous materials safely. In laboratories, tongs are used to handle glassware or other sensitive equipment to avoid contamination or damage.

    Overall, tongs are versatile tools that facilitate safe and efficient handling of objects in diverse contexts, showcasing their significance in countless professions and daily tasks.

  2. An instr. of metal, consisting of two long legs jointed at one end, for grasping and holding anything.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TONGS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TONGS

Etymology of TONGS

The word "tongs" originated from the Old English word "tange", which means "tongs" or "pincers". The Old English term derived from the Proto-Germanic word "tangiz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*denǵʰ-", both of which meant "to pinch" or "to squeeze". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, resulting in the modern English term "tongs", which refers to a tool used for grasping or lifting objects.

Idioms with the word TONGS

  • be/go at it hammer and tongs The idiom "be/go at it hammer and tongs" means to engage in a heated or vigorous dispute or battle, putting forth aggressive and forceful efforts to achieve something or confront a problem. It often describes a situation where individuals or groups are fiercely involved in a conflict or argument. The phrase implies a high level of intensity, determination, and relentless pursuit of one's objectives.
  • fight sm or sth hammer and tongs The idiom "fight someone or something hammer and tongs" means engaging in a fierce or intense struggle, confrontation, or argument, typically with a strong determination and without holding back. It suggests a no-holds-barred approach where one uses all available force or resources to defend or attack someone or something.
  • fight hammer and tongs The idiom "fight hammer and tongs" means to engage in a vigorous or fierce battle or dispute. It implies a relentless and intense struggle with full force and determination.
  • hammer and tongs The idiom "hammer and tongs" typically refers to doing something with great energy, effort, or enthusiasm. It originated from the tools used by blacksmiths, specifically the hammer and tongs, to forge metal through vigorous strikes. Figuratively, it suggests approaching a task or activity with intensity, determination, and force.
  • be at it hammer and tongs The idiom "be at it hammer and tongs" means to engage in something energetically and with great determination or intensity. It commonly refers to working on a task, project, or problem with utmost effort and enthusiasm. The term "hammer and tongs" is derived from the image of someone working vigorously, resembling the forceful use of a hammer and tongs in metalworking.
  • be/go at somebody/something hammer and tongs The idiom "be/go at somebody/something hammer and tongs" means to attack, criticize, or confront someone or something with great intensity, energy, or vigor. It implies a forceful and relentless approach in dealing with a person or a situation.
  • be at (someone) hammer and tongs The idiom "be at (someone) hammer and tongs" means to engage in a vigorous, aggressive, or intense attack or argument against someone. It implies a strong and relentless opposition or confrontation, often involving forceful or heated actions or words.
  • go at (someone) hammer and tongs The idiom "go at (someone) hammer and tongs" means to engage in a vigorous, intense, or aggressive manner when confronting or attacking someone verbally, physically, or emotionally. It implies exerting significant effort and not holding back in expressing one's feelings or engaging in a conflict.
  • go at it hammer and tongs The idiom "go at it hammer and tongs" means to engage in an activity or argument with great intensity, energy, and enthusiasm. It suggests that the person is wholeheartedly and vigorously pursuing or attempting something without holding back. The phrase often implies a competitive or aggressive nature in pursuing a goal or resolving a dispute.

Similar spelling words for TONGS

Plural form of TONGS is TONGS

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