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tuning fork

noun
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Definition of tuning fork

: a 2-pronged metal implement that gives a fixed tone when struck and is useful for tuning musical instruments and ascertaining standard pitch

Illustration of tuning fork

Illustration of tuning fork

Examples of tuning fork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even in the best of times, markets are tuning forks not just for the sound of economic activity but for public sentiment about the future. — Zachary Karabell, Wired, "As Covid-19 Spreads, Listen to the Stock Market—for Now," 12 Mar. 2020 Some of the other items, meanwhile, will be passed on to friends who are much more excited by the prospect of, say, a (slightly banged-up) tuning fork and crystal set. — Rachel Metz, CNN, "I spent $200 on Marie Kondo's new online store to spark joy. Here's what I learned," 27 Nov. 2019 Among Kondo's favorites are a $75 tuning fork, incense for $16, and a donabe (a ceramic Japanese pot) for $180. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "Spark Joy with Marie Kondo's New Collection of Elegant Lifestyle Products," 18 Nov. 2019 Types of hearing loss can range from a slight loss to a total loss, and tests to diagnose the condition may include a physical exam, tuning fork tests, or other tests by audiologists. — Jan Burns, Houston Chronicle, "Hearing loss is serious, should be addressed quickly," 16 Aug. 2019 The males' antennae act as tuning forks, resonating to the whine produced by the wings of females. — Ned Rozell, Anchorage Daily News, "Only female mosquitoes bother us (and other facts about the insects Alaskans love to hate)," 7 July 2018 The pendulum guides her to smudge the room with sage before gently tapping orchestral gongs, tuning forks, and tinny bells. — Jessica Wright Weinstock, Glamour, "Trying to Get Pregnant Took Over My Life — Here's How I Got It Back," 12 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tuning fork.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of tuning fork

1799, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for tuning fork

Time Traveler

The first known use of tuning fork was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Tuning fork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tuning%20fork. Accessed 28 May. 2020.

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More Definitions for tuning fork

tuning fork

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tuning fork

: a metal device that has two long points, that produces a particular note when it is hit, and that is used to tune musical instruments

See the full definition for tuning fork in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tuning fork

noun

Kids Definition of tuning fork

: a metal instrument that gives a fixed tone when struck and is useful for tuning musical instruments

tuning fork

noun
tun·​ing fork | \ ˈt(y)ün-iŋ- How to pronounce tuning fork (audio) \

Medical Definition of tuning fork

: a 2-pronged metal implement that gives a fixed tone when struck

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More from Merriam-Webster on tuning fork

Spanish Central: Translation of tuning fork

Nglish: Translation of tuning fork for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tuning fork

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