[ham.mer] n [ME hamer, fr. OE hamor; akin to OHG hamar hammer, and perh. to OCS kamen-, kamy stone, Gk akme point, edge--more at edge] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a hand tool consisting of a solid head set crosswise on a handle and used for pounding b: a power tool that often substitutes a metal block or a drill for the hammerhead
2: something that resembles a hammer in form or action: as a: a lever with a striking head for ringing a bell or striking a gong b (1): an arm that strikes the cap in a percussion lock to ignite the propelling charge (2): a part of the action of a modern gun that strikes the primer of the cartridge in firing or that strikes the firing pin to ignite the cartridge c: malleus d: gavel e (1): a padded mallet in a piano action for striking a string (2): a hand mallet for playing on various percussion instruments (as a xylophone)
3: a metal sphere thrown for distance in the hammer throw
4: accelerator b -- under the hammer : for sale at auction
[2]hammer vb ham.mered ; ham.mer.ing vi (14c) 1: to strike blows esp. repeatedly with or as if with a hammer: pound
2: to make repeated efforts; esp: to reiterate an opinion or attitude "the lectures all ~ed away at the same points" ~ vt 1 a: to beat, drive, or shape with repeated blows of a hammer b: to fasten or build with a hammer
2: to strike or drive with a force suggesting a hammer blow or repeated blows "~ed the ball over the fence" "tried to ~ me into submission" -- ham.mer.er n