tongue tongue /ˈtʌŋ/

noun

1. () A mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity  ( clapper [Informal] , glossa , lingua , tongue )
   a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
    The tongue is a muscular organ that helps us to taste and swallow food
   The tongue is a muscular organ that helps us to taste and swallow food
   
   
2. () A human written or spoken language used by a community; opposed to e.g. a computer language  ( natural language , tongue )
   a human written or spoken language used by a community; opposed to e.g. a computer language
   
3. () Any long thin projection that is transient  ( knife , tongue )
   any long thin projection that is transient
    Tongues of flame licked at the walls
   tongues of flame licked at the walls
    Rifles exploded quick knives of fire into the dark
   rifles exploded quick knives of fire into the dark
   
4. () A manner of speaking  ( tongue )
   a manner of speaking
    He spoke with a thick tongue
   he spoke with a thick tongue
    She has a glib tongue
   she has a glib tongue
   
5. Metal striker that hangs inside a bell and makes a sound by hitting the side  ( clapper , tongue )
   metal striker that hangs inside a bell and makes a sound by hitting the side
   
   
6. The flap of material under the laces of a shoe or boot  ( tongue )
   the flap of material under the laces of a shoe or boot
    Make sure to properly tie the laces over the tongue of your shoe for comfort.
   Make sure to properly tie the laces over the tongue of your shoe for comfort.
   
   
7. The tongue of certain animals used as meat  ( tongue )
   the tongue of certain animals used as meat
    The tongue was a delicacy in some cultures and was often served as a cold cut
   The tongue was a delicacy in some cultures and was often served as a cold cut
   
8. A narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea  ( spit , tongue )
   a narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea
   
   

verb

1. Lick or explore with the tongue  ( tongue )
   lick or explore with the tongue
   
2. (music) articulate by tonguing, as when playing wind instruments  ( tongue )
   (music) articulate by tonguing, as when playing wind instruments