anvil
word
Definition
A heavy iron or steel block with a flat top, used by blacksmiths as a surface for hammering and shaping metal.
Usage & Nuances
'Anvil' is mainly used in traditional blacksmithing and metalworking contexts, and is rarely found outside these topics. It can also appear in cartoons or idioms (‘between the hammer and the anvil’). Do not confuse with other tools like 'vice' or 'hammer'.
Spanish: yunquePortuguese (BR): bigornaPortuguese (PT): bigornaChinese (Simplified): 铁砧Chinese (Traditional): 鐵砧Hindi: निहाईArabic: سندان
Example Sentences
The blacksmith hammered the metal on the anvil.
basic
An anvil is very heavy.
basic
The anvil is placed on the workshop floor.
basic
He accidentally dropped his tool on the anvil, making a loud noise.
natural
Cartoons often show an anvil falling on someone's head for a funny effect.
natural
The phrase "between the hammer and the anvil" means being in a tough situation.
natural