Main Entry: tongs

Pronunciation: \ˈtäŋz, ˈtȯŋz\

Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction

Etymology: Middle English tonges, plural of tonge, from Old English tang; akin to Old High German zanga tongs and perhaps to Greek daknein to bite

Date: before 12th century

: any of numerous grasping devices consisting commonly of two pieces joined at one end by a pivot or hinged like scissors