Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tool for handling burning coals or logs: "Fire tongs" are a specific type of tongs, typically made of metal, designed for safely gripping and moving burning fuel in a fireplace, furnace, or similar setting.

Usage

• Fire tongs are used as a fireplace implement. They are a pair of levers joined at a pivot, with scissor-like handles and grasping ends, specifically intended for manipulating hot materials.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He used the fire tongs to rearrange the logs in the fireplace.
  • The antique set included a poker, a brush, and a pair of fire tongs.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Context: Fire tongs are a classic component of a fireplace tool set, often found with a matching stand. Their design prioritizes length to keep the user's hand at a safe distance from the heat.

Variants and Related Words

• Tongs (n): A general term for any tool with two arms joined at one end, used for picking up objects.
  • Salad tongs, sugar tongs, and fire tongs all share the same basic principle.
• Fireplace tools / implements (n): The set of tools used for maintaining a fire, which may include fire tongs, a poker, a shovel, and a brush.

Synonyms

• Coal tongs: A synonym emphasizing use with coal rather than wood.
• Stove tongs: Can be a similar tool used for wood-burning stoves.

Notes

• The term is typically used in its plural form, "fire tongs," similar to "scissors" or "pants," as the tool consists of two joined parts.
• It is a compound noun where "fire" specifies the type of tongs. The core word being explained is the full compound "fire tongs."

Noun

1. tongs for taking hold of burning coals