n. 1. A distinctively sharp taste, flavor, or odor, as that of orange juice. 2. A distinctive quality: "Underneath it all was the tang of genuine adventure" (Jan Clausen). 3. A sharp point, tongue, or prong. 4. A projection by which a tool, such as a chisel or knife, is attached to its handle or stock. Also called shank. 5. See surgeonfish. tr.v. tanged, tang·ing, tangs 1. To furnish with a tang. 2. To give a tang to. [Middle English tange, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tangi, point, sting.] tangi·ness n. tangy adj. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. A loud ringing sound; a clang or twang. intr. & tr.v. tanged, tang·ing, tangs To resound with a tang or cause to resound with a tang. [Imitative.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
A Chinese dynasty (618-907) known for its territorial expansion, prosperity, and encouragement of the arts and literature. [Mandarin, T´ng, from Middle Chinese tɦaŋ, to boast, great, Tang dynasty.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.