tonguing

Pluraltonguings

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle of tongue. Use this form when the action is happening now or as a name for the activity.

   The flutist was tonguing rapidly to keep up with the tempo.

   Tonguing each note evenly takes years of practice.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable or uncountable

   The act of licking or lapping at something with the tongue.

   Like a dog cleaning its bowl with its tongue.

   The puppy's constant tonguing of the wound kept it from healing.

   She felt the calf's rough tonguing on her open palm.

   Similarlicking, lapping

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   A way of playing a wind instrument where the tongue starts each note clearly.

   Like saying 'tuh-tuh-tuh' to break one long sound into separate beats.

   Good tonguing helps a flute player start each note cleanly.

   With practice, her tonguing became fast and even.

   Similararticulation

   Oppositeslurring

   Note
4. 4
   nounhistoricaluncountable

   The job of cutting long strips of fat from a whale while it is being butchered.

   Like peeling thick strips of fat off meat before cooking.

   The sailors began the tonguing as soon as the whale was alongside the ship.

   The tonguing produced long strips of fat ready for the pots.

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 4