anvil

/ˈænvɪl/
noun
  1. A heavy iron block used by blacksmiths for shaping hot metal by hammering.
    • In the old workshop, a large anvil sat in the center of the room.
    • The blacksmith placed the glowing iron on the anvil and began to hammer it into a horseshoe.
    • He used the anvil to flatten the metal rod into a thin strip.
  2. A small bone in the middle ear that helps transmit sound vibrations.
    • Damage to the anvil can cause hearing loss.
    • The anvil bone works with the hammer and stirrup to help you hear.
    • The doctor explained how the anvil vibrates when sound waves enter the ear.
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