Hammer (Noun)
Meaning 1
A light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike such percussion instruments as chimes, kettledrums, marimbas, glockenspiels, etc..
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- She carefully selected the right hammer to produce a clear, ringing tone from the glockenspiel.
- The percussionist's skilled fingers moved deftly as she switched between different hammers for the kettledrums.
- He chose a lightweight hammer with a soft head to accompany the marimba's gentle melody.
- The timpanist's hands moved swiftly as he struck the metal drumheads with a large, heavy hammer.
- To play the chimes, she used a long, lightweight hammer with a rounded head to create a smooth, flowing sound.
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Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A power tool for drilling rocks.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The geologist used a hammer drill to extract samples from the rocky terrain.
- The construction worker's hammer was equipped with a carbide tip to withstand the hardness of the granite.
- To break through the tough sedimentary rock, the team relied on their heavy-duty hammer drill.
- As she chiseled away at the fossils, the paleontologist's hammer proved to be a reliable tool.
- The rock climber packed his trusty hammer drill in case he needed to anchor his rope on a particularly tricky route.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 3
The part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The hammer on the revolver struck the primer with enough force to ignite the powder.
- After the gun misfired, the shooter inspected the hammer to ensure it was functioning properly.
- The pistol's hammer was designed to rebound automatically after striking the cartridge.
- In a flintlock musket, the hammer held the flint that generated sparks to ignite the gunpowder.
- The firearms instructor cautioned students to always keep their fingers away from the hammer on the rifle.
Synonyms
Meaning 4
The ossicle attached to the eardrum.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The hammer is one of the three bones in the middle ear that transmits sound waves to the inner ear.
- When the eardrum vibrates from sound waves, it causes the hammer to move back and forth.
- The hammer is also known as the malleus, which is Latin for hammer or mallet.
- Damage to the hammer can result in hearing loss or other auditory problems.
- The hammer is attached to the eardrum by a thin ligament that helps to transmit sound vibrations.
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Meaning 5
The act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows); "the sudden hammer of fists caught him off guard"; "the pounding of feet on the hallway".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The loud hammer of the construction work outside my window was driving me crazy.
- The sudden hammer of fists caught him off guard and left him reeling.
- The pounding of feet on the hallway was like a drumbeat, growing louder with each passing second.
- The hammer of the rain on the roof was so intense it sounded like a never-ending drum solo.
- The crowd's chants and cheers turned into a deafening hammer of noise as the concert reached its climax.
Synonyms
Meaning 6
A heavy metal sphere attached to a flexible wire; used in the hammer throw.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The athlete grasped the handle of the hammer tightly as she prepared to throw it.
- The hammer soared through the air, spinning end over end, before landing with a thud in the throwing area.
- To improve her technique, the coach advised the athlete to focus on generating power from her hips as she swung the hammer.
- The hammer thrower's strength and technique were put to the test as she competed against the best athletes in the world.
- As the crowd watched in awe, the hammer flew through the air, its metal sphere glinting in the sunlight.
Meaning 7
A hand tool with a heavy rigid head and a handle; used to deliver an impulsive force by striking.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- She picked up the hammer and began to drive the nails into the wall with precision and care.
- To hang the picture, he used a hammer to tap the nail gently into the plaster.
- He carefully chose the right kind of hammer for the task, a ball-peen hammer, and got to work.
- The carpenter's hammer had a worn wooden handle and a rusty head from years of heavy use.
- As a child, she learned how to use a hammer to tap the pieces together when building with blocks.
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Related Words
Meaning 8
A striker that is covered in felt and that causes the piano strings to vibrate.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The piano's hammer struck the strings with great force, producing a loud and ringing sound.
- The worn-out hammer had lost its ability to produce clear and resonant tones from the piano strings.
- When the pianist pressed the key, the hammer moved swiftly to strike the tight strings, creating a beautiful melody.
- Over time, the repeated striking of the hammer against the strings caused it to deteriorate, affecting the piano's overall sound quality.
- The delicate mechanism of the hammer, which moved at incredible speed, was crucial in creating the piano's unique sound.