hammer
1. ham.mer \'ham-*r\ n [ME hamer, fr. OE hamor; akin to OHG hamar hammer,
Gk akme]- point, edge - more at EDGE 1a: a hand tool consisting of a solid
head set crosswise on a handle and us ed for pounding 1b: a power tool that
often substitutes a metal block or a drill for the ha mmerhead 2: something
that resembles a hammer in form or action : as 2a: a lever with a striking
head for ringing a bell or striking a gong 2b1: an arm that strikes the
cap in a percussion lock to ignite the propell ing charge 2b2: a part of
the action of a modern gun that strikes the primer of the ca rtridge in
firing or that strikes the firing pin to ignite the cartridge 2c: MALLEUS
2d: GAVEL 2e1: a padded mallet in a piano action for striking a string
2e2: a hand mallet for playing on various percussion instruments (as a xylo
phone) 3: a metal sphere hurled in the hammer throw that usu. weighs 16
pounds : for sale at auction - under the hammer
2. hammer \'ham-(*-)rin\ \'ham-*r-*r\ vb or ham.mer.ing 1: to strike blows
esp. repeatedly with or as if with a hammer : POUN D 2a: to make repeated
efforts 2b: to reiterate an opinion or attitude 1a: to beat, drive, or
shape with repeated blows of a hammer 1b: to fasten or build with a hammer
2: to strike or drive as if with a hammer 3: to produce or bring about as
if by repeated blows {~ out a poli cy} - ham.mer.er n