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