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Definition of tang

tang

/tæŋ/
tang

Plural:tangs
•
Adjective:tangy
•
Past Simple:tanged
•
Past Participle:tanged
•
Present Participle:tanging
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tang Lexical Profile

tang Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A strong, sharp, and distinctive flavor or odor.

Example

"The homemade lemonade had a refreshing citrus tang that balanced the sweetness perfectly."


2

The projecting part or shank of a tool, such as a knife, sword, or file, that connects to and is secured within a handle.

Example

"The blacksmith carefully shaped the tang of the blade before fitting it into the carved wooden hilt."


3

Any of various marine surgeonfishes of the family Acanthuridae, primarily found in tropical coral reefs and noted for a scalpel-like spine at the base of the tail.

Example

"While snorkeling along the coral reef, we spotted a bright blue tang grazing on the algae."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tang

• verb

1

To furnish a tool or weapon with a tang.

Example

"The bladesmith will tang the sword so that it fits securely into the customized handle."


2

To make a ringing, clanging, or twanging sound.

Example

"The old grandfather clock began to tang loudly at the stroke of midnight."

• Rhymes for tang

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'tange' (a sharp point, sting, or tongue of a snake), derived from Old Norse 'tangi' (point, projecting part, spit of land). The meaning shifted metaphorically over time to denote a sharp, pungent taste or flavor.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tang. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tang
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