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 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.
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.
* 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.
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.