The dinner fork is a cornerstone of the modern place setting, designed for the efficient handling of solid foods. It is distinguished by its multiple tines, typically three or four in number, which are slightly curved to effectively scoop and spear food. The tines' sharp points allow the user to pierce and secure items such as meat and vegetables, while their spacing is ideal for twirling pasta or gathering loose bits of food. The handle is designed to be ergonomic, providing a firm and comfortable grip during use. While most commonly crafted from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, dinner forks can also be found in materials such as silver, wood, or even plastic. The standard dinner fork is larger and has longer tines than its smaller counterpart, the salad fork, making it the appropriate utensil for main courses. It is a tool that has evolved over time from a two-pronged instrument to the multi-tined utensil we know today, playing a crucial role in Western dining etiquette and practices.