tongs vs pair of tongs

tongs and pair of tongs both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
tongs	Yes	No	No	No
pair of tongs	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, tongs and pair of tongs are synonyms defined as:

tongs and pair of tongs: any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below

tongs (noun)	pair of tongs (noun)
any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below	any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below