n. & v.
--n.
1. an instrument with two or more prongs used in eating or cooking.
2 a similar much larger instrument used for digging, lifting, etc.
3 any pronged device or component (tuning-fork).
4 a forked support for a bicycle wheel.
5 a a divergence of anything, e.g. a stick or road, or US a river, into two parts. b the place where this occurs. c either of the two parts (take the left fork).
6 a flash of forked lightning.
7 Chess a simultaneous attack on two pieces by one.
--v.
1. intr. form a fork or branch by separating into two parts.
2 intr. take one or other road etc. at a fork (fork left for Banbury).
3 tr. dig or lift etc. with a fork.
4 tr. Chess attack (two pieces) simultaneously with one.
Phrases and idioms:
fork-lift truck a vehicle with a horizontal fork in front for lifting and carrying loads. fork lunch (or supper etc.) a light meal eaten with a fork at a buffet etc. fork out (or up) sl. hand over or pay, usu. reluctantly.
Etymology: OE forca, force f. L furca