different between prong vs tributary

English

Etymology

From Middle English pronge, perhaps from Middle Low German prange (“stick, restraining device”), from prangen (“to press, pinch”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)preng- (“to wrap up, constrict”), akin to Lithuanian springstù (“to choke, become choked or obstructed”), Latvian sprañgât (“cord, constrict”), Ancient Greek ????????? (sparganó?, “to swaddle”), ????????? (spárganon, “swaddling cloth”). See also prank, prance, prink.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /p???/
• (US) IPA^(key): /p???/
• Rhymes: -??

Noun

prong (plural prongs)

1. A thin, pointed, projecting part, as of an antler or a fork or similar tool. A tine.

   a pitchfork with four prongs

2. A branch; a fork.

   the two prongs of a river

3. (colloquial) The penis.
   • 2008, Andy Zaltzman on The Bugle podcast, episode 34, You Will Know Us By Our Knobbly Fruit.

     Hang on... That looks like... No, it can't be. Is that my wang!? Micky Paintbrush, have you painted my papal prong on that nudy man!?

Derived terms

• pronghorn

Translations

See also

• tine
• tooth

Verb

prong (third-person singular simple present prongs, present participle pronging, simple past and past participle pronged)

1. To pierce or poke with, or as if with, a prong.

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English tributarie (“paying tribute”), from Latin trib?t?rius, from trib?tum (“tribute”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?t??bj?t??i/

Noun

tributary (plural tributaries)

2. A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.

   Synonym: affluent

3. A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.

Related terms

• distributary

Translations

Adjective

tributary (not comparable)

1. Related to the paying of tribute.
2. subordinate; inferior
3. Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.

   The Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.

Related terms

• tribute

Translations