tuning fork
nounUK /ˈtjuːnɪŋ fɔːk/
US /ˈtuːnɪŋ fɔːrk/
A small metal fork that makes a steady sound when you hit it, used to help tune musical instruments.
The piano tuner struck the tuning fork and listened carefully to the note.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A standard source of a fixed musical pitch used as a reference for tuning.
She used a tuning fork to check that her violin was in tune.
3. A small two-pronged steel device that vibrates at a known frequency, used in science and medicine.
The doctor tapped the tuning fork against her knee to test her reflexes.
4. Something that sets or establishes a standard for others to follow.
His calm voice acted as a tuning fork for the whole team.