prong

[ prawng, prong ]

noun

1. one of the pointed tines of a fork.
2. any pointed, projecting part, as of an antler.

   Synonyms: spur, tooth, hook

3. a branch of a stream.
4. Jewelry. a tapering metal projection, usually heavier than a claw, rising from the base of a jewelry setting and used to hold a stone in position as needed. Compare claw ( def 7 ).

verb (used with object)

1. to pierce or stab with or as if with a prong.
2. to supply with prongs.

prong

/ prɒŋ /

noun

1. a sharply pointed end of an instrument, such as on a fork
2. any pointed projecting part

verb

1. tr to prick or spear with or as if with a prong

Derived Forms

• pronged, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prong¹

1400–50; late Middle English pronge, prange pain, affliction, pointed instrument; akin to Old Swedish prang gorge, narrow street, Middle Low German prange stake, prangen to press, Gothic anaprangan to oppress

Word History and Origins

Origin of prong¹

C15: related to Middle Low German prange a stake, Gothic anaprangan to afflict

Example Sentences

An alternative prong of this strategy is getting the court to agree that the Comstock Act of 1873 bans the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs and devices, a claim ADF makes in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.

From Slate

The second prong of the campaign involved working directly with the district.

From Los Angeles Times

Conflicts abroad were another prong of the Republican case against Mr Biden.

From BBC

One prong of the investigation focused on Huntsman’s concerns that some personnel files, including Villanueva’s, were being kept secret from oversight officials.

From Los Angeles Times

The last prong of Ziklag’s 2024 strategy is Operation Steeplechase, which urges conservative pastors to mobilize their congregants to vote in this year’s election.

From Salon