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triphammer

American  
[trip-ham-er] / ˈtrɪpˌhæm ər /
Or trip hammer

noun

  1. Machinery. a heavy hammer raised and then let fall by means of some tripping tripping trip device, as a cam.


adjective

  1. of, resembling, or characteristic of the repetitive and forceful pounding of a triphammer.

    He was subjected to triphammer interrogation by the police detectives.

triphammer British  
/ ˈtrɪpˌhæmə /

noun

  1. a power hammer that is raised or tilted by a cam and allowed to fall under gravity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of triphammer

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; trip 1 + hammer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By concentrating on such specific targets and keeping up a triphammer succession of attacks, the government hoped to force the Communist forces onto the defensive.

From Time Magazine Archive

His heart began to beat, feebly at first, then like a triphammer, then normally.

From Time Magazine Archive

A dial turner in search of music these days is likely to encounter a shrill, nasal voice spewing at triphammer speed sentiments something like these: Oooh-eee-oooh-aah-aah Ting-tang Walla-walla bing-bang.

From Time Magazine Archive

With all its faults, The Inspector General gives free play to Danny's superbly controlled mugging and his triphammer tongue, which rattles through some first-rate lyrics by his wife, Associate Producer Sylvia Fine.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was drenched with sweat, his clothes were torn by that wild race through the brush, his breath came in gasps that were almost sobs, and his heart was beating like a triphammer.

From Bert Wilson in the Rockies by Duffield, J. W.