Tongue

The fleshy, muscular organ in the mouth of most vertebrates, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and, in humans, for speech. It plays a crucial role in manipulating food, sensing flavors through taste buds, and articulating sounds. Figuratively, "tongue" can refer to language, communication, or the ability to speak. It can also describe a sharp or critical way of speaking, or even a characteristic way of speaking. Furthermore, the term is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as "finding one's tongue" (becoming unable to speak due to surprise) or "tongue-tied" (unable to speak because of shyness or embarrassment).

Tongue meaning with examples

• The doctor examined the patient's tongue, checking for any signs of infection or inflammation. He noticed that the tongue was a bit discolored, prompting further investigation to diagnose the cause. His careful analysis of the tongue helped determine the treatment and potential course of the patient's illness, potentially leading to a full recovery.
• The chef carefully placed the perfectly seasoned dish on my tongue. The texture, and combination of flavors danced across his palate; the subtle nuances and rich blend were exceptional. The complex sensation of the many ingredients, mixed with their subtle aromas, created a symphony that was unforgettable, demonstrating his expertise and skill.
• The poet's powerful words rolled off her tongue, captivating the audience with her profound insights and lyrical imagery. Her ability to use language to communicate the power of her craft created a mesmerising effect, inspiring the listeners with his raw, emotional power.
• Despite the difficult situation, she held her tongue and remained silent, avoiding an argument that would only worsen the situation. Her restraint demonstrated patience and a commitment to peace, choosing diplomacy over conflict to maintain harmony within the group. Keeping the peace was paramount to her.
• The new software update was confusing, leaving the team tongue-tied and unable to explain the changes effectively. The unfamiliar interface and new features had overwhelmed them, making their presentations difficult. They struggled to articulate the benefits of this new program effectively, unable to convey the full impact of the upgrades.