Dictionary

anvil

noun an·vil \ˈan-vəl\

: a heavy iron block on which heated metal is shaped by hitting it with a hammer

Full Definition of ANVIL

1
:  a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped (as by hand hammering)
2
:  incus
3
:  the anvil–shaped top of a cumulonimbus
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Illustration of ANVIL

Origin of ANVIL

Middle English anfilt, from Old English; akin to Old High German anafalz anvil; akin to Latin pellere to beat — more at felt
First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, punch, tang
ANVIL Defined for Kids

anvil

noun an·vil \ˈan-vəl\

Definition of ANVIL for Kids

:  an iron block on which pieces of metal are hammered into shape
Medical Dictionary

anvil

noun an·vil \ˈan-vəl\

Medical Definition of ANVIL

:  incus

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