A "prong" is a pointed or projecting part of an object, often used to describe the tines of a fork or the sharp ends of a tool. In various contexts, prongs can serve different functions, such as holding, piercing, or supporting. For example, the prongs of a fork help to lift and hold food. In the context of legal or business discussions, "prong" can refer to a specific aspect or component of a larger issue or argument. For instance, a multi-part test in law may have several prongs that must be satisfied to reach a conclusion. Each prong addresses a distinct criterion that contributes to the overall assessment.