noun
tongs
TAHNGZ/tɑːŋz/
A tool with two arms for gripping and lifting objects.
The metal tongs have two arms ending in scalloped gripping jaws.
Etymology
Old English tong already named a gripping tool. Its deeper ancestry is said to mean “that which bites,” an image of the tool closing on an object like jaws.
In context
special steel remote handling tools and tongs to collect the radioactive sources were manufactured
More examples
- Use a pair of tongs to turn the steaks.
- He picks up an ice cube with the tongs.
- The blacksmith grips the hot metal with long tongs.
Forms
tongs
Similar words
- pincers
- Have jaws suited to pinching or pulling rather than lifting.
- tweezers
- Grip very small objects for precise handling or removal.