n. & v.
--n.
1. an uncastrated male sheep, a tup.
2 (the Ram) the zodiacal sign or constellation Aries.
3 hist. a battering ram (see BATTER(1)). b a beak projecting from the bow of a battleship, for piercing the sides of other ships. c a battleship with such a beak.
4 the falling weight of a pile-driving machine.
5 a a hydraulic water-raising or lifting machine. b the piston of a hydrostatic press. c the plunger of a force-pump.
--v.tr. (rammed, ramming)
1. force or squeeze into place by pressure.
2 (usu. foll. by down, in, into) beat down or drive in by heavy blows.
3 (of a ship, vehicle, etc.) strike violently, crash against.
4 (foll. by against, at, on, into) dash or violently impel.
Phrases and idioms:
ram home stress forcefully (an argument, lesson, etc.).
Derivatives:
rammer n.
Etymology: OE ram(m), perh. rel. to ON rammr strong