triphammer

or trip ham·mer

[ trip-ham-er ]

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

/ ˈtrɪpˌhæmə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of triphammer¹

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

Example Sentences

Geraldine's heart beat like a little triphammer, but she did not look up from her plate, nor change her listless expression.

From Project Gutenberg

She had lifted her gaze to meet his, quite sure that her answer was not in doubt, but now her heart was beating like a triphammer.

From Project Gutenberg

When intoxicated, his tongue rapped out fun and fury like a triphammer.

From Project Gutenberg

Frank's heart was beating like a triphammer and his nerves were at a fearful tension.

From Project Gutenberg

The fiddler twisted and turned, but his head went like a triphammer on the seat.

From Project Gutenberg