el martillo
hammer
Herramienta con un mango y una parte dura de metal que se usa para clavar o sacar clavos y golpear objetos.
Definition & meaning
The word martillo primarily refers to a hand tool consisting of a solid head (usually made of metal) attached to a handle. It is used for striking objects, most commonly to drive nails, shape metal, or break things.
Beyond the common tool, the word has two other specific meanings:
- Anatomy: It is the name of one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear, known in English as the "malleus." It transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the incus.
- Sports: In athletics, it refers to the "hammer" used in the hammer throw event. This consists of a metal ball attached by a steel wire to a grip.
Grammar & Word origin
Martillo is a masculine noun. In Spanish, it is preceded by the article el .
The word originates from the Latin martellus, which is a diminutive form of marcus, meaning "hammer." It is closely related to the Spanish verb martillar , which means "to hammer" or "to pound."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Mazo : Typically refers to a larger, heavier hammer or a wooden mallet.
- Maceta : A specific type of heavy, short-handled hammer used in masonry and stonework.
- Mallete : A small mallet, often the type used by a judge or at an auction.
Antonyms:
As "martillo" is a concrete object, it does not have a direct linguistic antonym. However, in the context of tools, it is often paired with its functional opposite/complement:
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Examples
El carpintero busca su martillo en la caja.noun
The carpenter is looking for his hammer in the box.
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