two-pronged
|two-pronged|
🇺🇸
/tuːˈprɔŋd/
🇬🇧
/tuːˈprɒŋd/
having two points/parts
Etymology
'two-pronged' is a compound formed in modern English from the numeral 'two' and the noun 'prong', where 'two' meant '2' and 'prong' meant 'a projecting point or tine'.
'prong' appears in Middle English as 'prong(e)' meaning 'a projecting point, tine'; the adjective compound 'two-pronged' developed later in Modern English by combining 'two' + 'prong(ed)' to describe objects or figurative dual aspects.
Initially the elements referred specifically to the number 2 and a physical projection; over time the compound also gained a figurative meaning of 'having two complementary parts or approaches'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having two prongs or points; physically provided with two projecting points.
He used a two-pronged fork to pick up the meat.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/31 04:51