hammer
11
5.3
- noun
- /ˈhæmər/
- Specialized
:
martillo
- A slight key movement sends the hammer swinging against a taut steel-wire string, which vibrates.
Examples
-
It makes the sound softer by shifting the whole keyboard and hammer mechanism so only two strings are engaged instead of three.
-
When a key is pressed, the hammer hits the corresponding...
-
Second, it allows the hammer to immediately fall away from the string, even when the key is not released.
Academic text (1994) -
Third, a repetition lever and a felt backcheck prepare the hammer for subsequent strikes.
Academic text (1994) -
Her little hammers touched the strings so rapidly that it seemed she was striking randomly, but the tune indicated otherwise.
Fiction book (1992) -
All that was good in his soul was evoked in that sound as his hammers moved with blinding cleverness across the strings.
Fiction book (1992) -
When the pianist plays a note, the hammer strikes the string to produce a beautiful sound.
-
The hammer inside the piano moves upward and hits the strings, creating music.
-
As the key is pressed down, the hammer quickly rises to hit the corresponding string.
Synonyms
3
7.0
A part that hits something to make a gun fire or a bell ring
Idioms
To have to choose between two equally bad options while people on both sides pressure you
Compounds
- Specialized
3
6.3
A hammer with one flat face and one rounded end used to shape metal and drive rivets
1
4.7
A track and field event where an athlete throws a heavy metal ball attached to a wire for distance
- Specialized
A heavy machine that uses diesel to drive long metal posts deep into the ground for foundations
- Specialized
A heavy construction machine that uses a diesel engine to drive piles into the ground
- UK
A tool with an axe blade on one side and a hammer on the other for fighting or work
- Archaic
A weapon with a hammer head on one side and an axe blade on the other for fighting
- Specialized
An enlarged red nose with visible blood vessels that often comes from heavy drinking
- Specialized
A machine that uses air or electricity to hit metal and rock repeatedly
- Specialized
A machine that uses strong shaking to push or pull long metal posts into the ground
- Specialized
A construction machine that uses strong, fast shaking to push or pull long posts into the ground
How Hard
Surface Forms
Etymology
Hammer in a piano or drum is named after the tool idea: it is the small part that 'hits' strings or skins to make sound, just like a hand hammer hits a nail. So calling that part a hammer helps you remember it strikes to make noise.