Riker using a spork with four tines
A spork was a hybrid form of an eating utensil often made of metal. It was comprised of a handle and consisted of a spoon-like shallow scoop and at least three sharpened ends, similar to the tines of a fork, on which food could be speared.
The utensil was used to lift food to the mouth or to hold ingredients in place while they were being cut. Food could be lifted either by spearing it on the tines, or by holding it on top of the tines. (TNG: "The Vengeance Factor")
In a 3 May 1966 memo written by Robert H. Justman to Gene Roddenberry, "Spork" appeared on a list of suggested names for future Vulcan characters. (The Making of Star Trek, p. 275)
Starfleet Academy sporks play a key role in "The Assassination Game" as the titular strategy game's "weapon" of choice.