tine

1 of 2

noun

ˈtīn 

1

: a slender pointed projecting part : prong

2

: a pointed branch of an antler

tined

ˈtīnd 

adjective

tine

2 of 2

verb

tined ˈtīnd  or tint ˈtint  ; tining ˈtī-niŋ 

transitive verb

dialectal British : lose

intransitive verb

dialectal British : to become lost

Examples of tine in a Sentence

Noun

One of the fork's tines was bent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The sunstar rendering fails to blow me away, however, since the tines split apart toward their edges, and ample purple ghosting is present. —PCMAG, 6 June 2024

At f/22, the lens draws interesting sunstars, with the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock tines stretching much longer than the others. —PCMAG, 26 May 2024

The 24-70mm II uses an 11-blade aperture, so its starbursts show 22 tines. —PCMAG, 16 May 2024

Load cups and glasses on the top rack and upside down between the tines to reduce the risk of breakage. —USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tind, from Old English; akin to Old High German zint point, tine

Verb

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tȳna to lose, destroy, tjōn injury, loss — more at teen entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

tine

noun

ˈtīn

: a slender pointed part : prong

the tines of a fork