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Added 9 October 2026

tine

/taɪn/ noun

Categories: ThingsRare Words

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about tine at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. A spike or point on an implement or tool, especially a prong of a fork or a tooth of a comb.
  2. A small branch, especially on an antler or horn.
  3. A wild vetch or tare.

adjective

  1. small, diminutive

noun

  1. Trouble; distress; teen.

verb

  1. To kindle; to set on fire.
  2. To rage; to smart.

Origin

From Middle English tine, alteration of Middle English tinde, tind, from Old English tind, from Proto-West Germanic *tind, Proto-Germanic *tindaz, from Proto-Indo-European *h₃dénts (“tooth, peg”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Tiende, Tiene (“prong, tine”), German Zind, Zint (“prong”). Compare also the related English tind and German Zinne.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: prongtynespiketindpointgrainspiretackspiculetoothspikenailfork

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