tine

noun

1. a sharp, projecting point or prong, as of a fork.

noun

1. a slender prong, esp of a fork
2. any of the sharp terminal branches of a deer’s antler

n.Old English tind, a general Germanic word (cf. Old High German zint “sharp point, spike,” Old Norse tindr “tine, point, top, summit,” German Zinne “pinnacle”), of unknown origin. n.

1. The slender pointed end of an instrument, such as an explorer used in dentistry.
2. An instrument usually containing several individual prongs and used to introduce antigen, such as tuberculin, into the skin.