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Tongue: tongue
(tng) n. The fleshy, movable, muscular organ, attached in most vertebrates
to the floor of the mouth, that is the principal organ of taste, an aid
in chewing and swallowing, and, in human beings, an important organ of
speech. An analogous organ or part in invertebrate animals, as in certain
insects or mollusks. The tongue of an animal, such as a
cow, used as food. A spoken language or dialect. Speech; talk:
If there is goodness in your heart, it will come to your tongue.
The act or power of speaking: She had no tongue to answer.
tongues. Speech or vocal sounds produced in a state of
religious ecstasy. Style or quality of utterance: her sharp tongue.
The bark or baying of a hunting dog that sees game: The
dog gave tongue when the fox came through the hedge. Something
resembling a tongue in shape or function, as: The vibrating end of a reed
in a wind instrument. A flame. The flap of material under
the laces or buckles of a shoe. A spit of land;
a promontory. A bell clapper. The harnessing pole
attached to the front axle of a horse-drawn vehicle. A protruding
strip along the edge of a board that fits into a matching groove on the
edge of another board. v. tongued, tongu·ing, tongues. v. tr. Music. To
separate or articulate (notes played on a brass or wind instrument) by
shutting off the stream of air with the tongue. To touch or lick with
the tongue. To provide (a board) with a tongue. To join by means of a
tongue and groove. Archaic. To scold. v. intr. Music. To articulate notes
on a brass or wind instrument. To project: a spit of land
tonguing into the bay. Idioms: hold (one's) tongue
To be or keep silent. lose (one's) tongue To lose
the capacity to speak, as from shock. on the tip of (one's) tongue
On the verge of being recalled or expressed.courtesy
of dictionary.com
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