fork

[[t]fɔrk[/t]]

n.

1) agr. an instrument having two or more prongs or tines, for holding, lifting, etc., esp. an implement for handling food

2) something resembling this in form

3) bot a division into branches

4) the point or part at which a thing, as a river or a road, divides into branches

5) either of the branches into which a thing divides

6) geo a principal tributary of a river

7) to pierce, raise, pitch, dig, etc., with a fork

8) to make into the form of a fork

9) chs to maneuver so as to place (two opposing chess pieces) under simultaneous attack by the same piece

10) to divide into branches, as a road

11) cvb to turn as indicated at a fork in a road, path, etc

12) phv Informal. fork over, out, or up, to deliver; pay; hand over

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME forke, OE forca < L furca fork, gallows, yoke fork′less, adj. fork′like`, adj.