tongue etymology

Etymology of "Tongue":

The word "tongue" has an Indo-European origin. It is derived from the following:

  • Proto-Indo-European (PIE): dnghwā
  • Proto-Germanic (PGmc): tungǭ
  • Old English: tunge
  • Middle English: tonge
  • Modern English: tongue

Meaning and Origin of "Tongue":

The PIE root dnghwā originally meant "a boundary, wall." This root was also used to refer to the tongue as a physical organ that forms a boundary between the mouth and the rest of the body.

Over time, the meaning of "tongue" has expanded to include the following:

  • The muscular organ in the mouth that is used for speech, eating, and swallowing.
  • The language or dialect that is spoken by a particular group of people.
  • A particular way of speaking or using language.
  • Anything that resembles a tongue in shape or function.

Examples of "Tongue" in Use:

  • "She stuck her tongue out at me."
  • "I speak English as my native tongue."
  • "He has a sharp tongue."
  • "The tongue of the bell is loose."

tongue relate terms

  • come

    Etymology The word come comes from Middle English comen which in turn comes from Ol

  • tang

    Etymology The word tang has several possible origins Old Norse tangr meaning p

  • tongs

    Etymology of Tongs The word tongs originates from the Old English word tange which

  • tongue

    Etymology of Tongue The word tongue has an Indo European origin It is derived from

  • piquant

    Etymology French piquant Latin picāre to prick sting pierce Proto Indo European ro

  • pungent

    Etymology The word pungent comes from the Latin word pungens meaning piercing or

  • sharp

    Etymology Sharp originates from the Old English word scearp meaning cutting or point

  • acrid

    Etymology The word acrid comes from the Late Latin word acris meaning sharp or

  • tang

    Etymology The word tang has several possible origins Old Norse tangr meaning p

  • knife

    Etymology The word knife comes from the Old English word cnif which is derived from

  • clapper

    Etymology The word clapper comes from the Middle English word clappen meaning to s

  • linguist

    Etymology The word linguist originates from the Latin word lingua which means tong

  • loll

    Etymology Loll is derived from the Middle English word lollen which means to loung

  • lollipop

    Etymology The word lollipop is derived from the term lolly a regional British term

  • dental

    Etymology The term dental is derived from the Latin word dens plural dentes me

  • Caucasian

    Etymology Caucasus Derived from the ancient Greek Kaukasos the name of a mountain r

  • play

    Etymology The word play derives from the Middle English plaien which itself originat

  • bell

    Etymology Old English belle a bell Proto Germanic bellu to ring Indo Europe