Tongue

Definition

Tongue is a noun referring to the muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, speaking, and swallowing. It can also refer to a language or dialect. As a verb, it means to touch or manipulate something with the tongue.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʌŋ/
• Respelling: TUNG

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʌŋ/
• Respelling: TUNG

Etymology

The word "tongue" originates from Old English "tunge," derived from Proto-Germanic "*tungōn" and Proto-Indo-European "*dnghu-," meaning "speech" or "language." Related words exist in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "tunga" and Old High German "zunga."

Derivatives

• Tongued (adjective)
• Tongueless (adjective)
• Multitongued (adjective)
• Sharp-tongued (adjective)
• Mother-tongue (noun)

Synonyms

• Organ
• Language
• Speech

Antonyms

• Silence (figurative)
• None (literal)
• None

Usage

The noun "tongue" is used in both anatomical and figurative contexts, such as "He burned his tongue on hot soup" (literal) and "She has a sharp tongue" (figurative). As a verb, it refers to using the tongue, for example, "The dog tongued the bowl clean."

Related Terms

• Mouth: The cavity containing the tongue, teeth, and other structures.
• Speech: The verbal expression of language, often involving the tongue.
• Dialect: A variation of language, sometimes referred to as a "tongue."

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, speaking, and swallowing: Refers to its anatomical function.
  • Example: "The tongue helps in the articulation of speech sounds."
• A language or dialect: Refers to the spoken form of communication.
  • Example: "French is her native tongue."
• A manner of speaking or expression: Indicates tone or style of communication.
  • Example: "He spoke in a gentle tongue."

Verb

• To touch or manipulate with the tongue: Refers to physical interaction using the tongue.
  • Example: "The cat tongued its fur clean."
• To speak or utter: Describes the act of expressing something verbally (archaic or poetic usage).
  • Example: "The poet tongued his words with eloquence."