fɔ:k 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. øfork-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. [OE forca, force f. L furca]
