Note a trident is not a pitchfork. A pitchfork is an agricultural tool with two to six tines (also called prongs) which are shaped in such a way that they can be used to lift and pitch (throw) loose material.

The word "trident" comes from the French trident, which in turn comes from the Latin tridens or tridentis: tri "three" and dentes "teeth". Several Indian languages use a similar word for "trident", trishula, derived from Sanskrit, meaning "triple spear".

Biology

A number of structures in the biological world are described as trident in appearance. Since at least the late 19th century the trident shape was applied to certain botanical shapes; for example, certain orchid flora were described as having trident-tipped lips in early botanical works. Furthermore, in current botanical literature, certain bracts are stated to have a trident-shape (e.g. Douglas-fir).

Fishing

Tridents for fishing usually have barbed tines which trap the speared fish firmly. In the Southern and Midwestern United States, gigging is used for harvesting suckers, bullfrogs, flounder, and many species of rough fish.

Military use

Symbolic use

A trident has also references as:

• The Coat of arms of Ukraine (Tryzub) - the symbol of ancient Slavic tribes that once lived in Ukraine.
• The National emblem of the Flag of Barbados
• The US Navy Special Warfare insignia, worn by members of the US Navy SEALs, contains a trident representing the three aspects (Sea, Air, and Land) of SEAL special operations.
• The golden colored crest of the United States Naval Academy depicts a trident running vertically in its background.
• The symbol of the Swedish Coastal Rangers, Kustjägarna
• Adopted by the Russian anti-Soviet revolutionary organization NTS as the "forks of the people's anger".
• The trident or Trishula is the missile weapon of the Hindu god Shiva, and it often includes a crossed stabiliser to facilitate its flight when thrown.
• Since before the Victorian era, Britannia, the personification of Great Britain, has been depicted wielding a trident, symbolising Britain's naval power. It also is Poseidon's main weapon.
• The symbol (since June 2008) for the athletic teams at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Image:statueofshiva.JPG|A statue of Hindu God Shiva, holding a trishula, near Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi Image:Trident fishing gallaeus.jpg|Dutch fishermen using tridents in the 17th century Image:Trident, Burmese, 18th century.JPG|Trident, Burmese, 18th century