Fork points NYT Crossword Clue – 3D
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Fork points” (3D) is tines.
Explanation:
In the context of the clue, tines refer to the prongs or points of a fork. A fork typically has several tines, and these are the sharp, pointed parts that are used for picking up food. The word “tine” comes from the Old French word tine or tyne, meaning a prong or point.
Breakdown of the clue:
- Fork: This suggests an object with multiple points, like a utensil with prongs, which is a common interpretation of “fork.”
- Points: This word refers to the sharp ends or prongs of an object. In this case, “points” refers to the sharp ends of a fork, which are called tines.
Thus, tines is the plural form of “tine,” and it perfectly fits the description of the sharp points on a fork. The clue uses the common imagery of a fork with multiple prongs to lead to the answer.
Tines can also be found on other tools or instruments that have pronged ends, such as a garden fork or a tuning fork. However, in the context of the crossword clue, it is most commonly associated with eating utensils like dinner forks or salad forks. The word has been in use for centuries, aligning well with the crossword puzzle’s usual blend of historical and contemporary references.
In crossword puzzles, it’s important to recognize when a clue is playing on both a literal and figurative meaning, which is often the case with simple, everyday objects like forks.