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fork out

 - 3 dictionary results

fork

[fawrk]
–noun
1. an instrument having two or more prongs or tines, for holding, lifting, etc., as an implement for handling food or any of various agricultural tools.
2. something resembling or suggesting this in form.
3. tuning fork.
4. Machinery. yoke 1 (def. 9).
5. a division into branches.
6. the point or part at which a thing, as a river or a road, divides into branches: Bear left at the fork in the road.
7. either of the branches into which a thing divides.
8. Horology. (in a lever escapement) the forked end of the lever engaging with the ruby pin.
9. a principal tributary of a river.
10. the support of the front wheel axles of a bicycle or motorcycle, having the shape of a two-pronged fork.
11. the barbed head of an arrow.
–verb (used with object)
12. to pierce, raise, pitch, dig, etc., with a fork.
13. to make into the form of a fork.
14. Chess. to maneuver so as to place (two opponent's pieces) under simultaneous attack by the same piece.
–verb (used without object)
15. to divide into branches: Turn left where the road forks.
16. to turn as indicated at a fork in a road, path, etc.: Fork left and continue to the top of the hill.
17. fork over or out or up, Informal. to hand over; deliver; pay: Fork over the money you owe me!

Origin:
bef. 1000; ME forke, OE forca < L furca fork, gallows, yoke


forkless, adjective
forklike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

fork 
O.E. forca "forked instrument used by torturers," from L. furca "pitchfork," of uncertain origin. Table forks were not generally used in England until 15c. The word is first attested in this sense in Eng. in a will of 1463, probably from O.N.Fr. forque, from the L. word. The verb "to divide in branches" is from the noun. Fork-lift (truck) first attested 1946. The slang verb phrase fork up (or out) "give over" is from 1831.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: fork
Pronunciation: 'fo(&)rk
Function: noun
1 : a forked part, tool, or piece of equipment —see TUNING FORK
2 : the lower part of the human body where the legs diverge from the trunk usually includingthe legs
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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