Definition of: tongue

(tung) noun
1. A protrusile, freely moving organ situated in the mouth of most vertebrates and supported by the hyoid bone: most completely developed in mammals, where it is important in taking in and masticating food, as one of the organs of taste, and in man as an organ of speech. ♦ Collateral adjective: lingual.
2. An organ or part of the mouth of various insects and fishes, having a similar shape or function.
3. An animal's tongue, as of beef, prepared as food.
4. The power of speech or articulation: to lose one's tongue.
5. Manner or style of speaking: a smooth tongue.
6. Mere speech, as contrasted with fact or deed.
7. Utterance; talk; discourse.
8. A language, vernacular, or dialect.
9. Archaic A people or race, regarded as having its own language: a Biblical use.
10. Anything resembling an animal tongue in appearance, shape, or function.
11. A slender projection of land, as a cape or small promontory.
12. A long narrow bay or inlet of water.
13. A jet of flame.
14. A strip of leather for closing the gap in the front of a laced shoe.
15. The fastening pin of a brooch or buckle.
16. Music The free or vibrating end of a reed in a wind instrument.
17. The clapper of a bell.
18. The harnessing pole of a horse–drawn vehicle.
19. The pointed, movable rail in a street railway switch.
20. Mech. Any flange or projecting part of a machine or mechanical device.
21. A projecting edge or tenon of a board for insertion into a corresponding groove of another board, thus forming a tongue–and–groove joint.
22. A spike on a sword blade on which the hilt is secured.
23. The movable arm of a bevel.
24. A small, young sole. See synonyms under LANGUAGE.
—gift of tongues See under GIFT.
—to hold one's tongue To keep silent.
—with tongue in cheek With mental reservations; facetiously; insincerely.
—v. tongued, tongu·ing v.t.
1. To use the tongue in playing (a wind instrument) so as to produce marcato or staccato effects; also, to modify the sound of (a flute, cornet, etc.) by the use of the tongue.
2. To touch or lap with the tongue.
3 a To cut a tongue on (a board). b To join or fit by a tongue–and–groove joint.
4. Poetic To utter; articulate.
5. Archaic To reproach; chide.
—v.i.
6. To use the tongue in playing a wind instrument.
7. To talk or prattle.
8. To extend as a tongue. [OE tunge. Akin to LANGUAGE.]
TONGUE AND GROOVE