How Do You Spell JACKHAMMER?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈakhamə] (IPA)

The word "jackhammer" refers to a powerful pneumatic tool used for breaking up concrete and other hard materials. Its spelling contains two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable, "jack," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, like "jæk," and the second syllable, "hammer," is pronounced with a short "o" sound, like "hæmər." The IPA phonetic transcription for the word "jackhammer" is /ˈdʒækhæmər/, with each symbol representing a specific sound in the English language.

JACKHAMMER Meaning and Definition

  1. A jackhammer is a powerful mechanical tool used for breaking or demolishing hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or stone. It is a handheld apparatus that operates by delivering repetitive impacts or blows to the surface through a piston-like motion. The word "jackhammer" is derived from the combination of two terms. "Jack" refers to a small portable lifting device used for hoisting heavy objects, while "hammer" signifies a tool used for striking or pounding. Together, these terms accurately depict the purpose and action of the jackhammer.

    The construction of a typical jackhammer involves a motor-driven hammering mechanism housed within a solid outer casing with a handle attachment. The repetitive impacts are generated by a compressed air or electric powered piston, housed within the tool. Jackhammers feature a pointed, chisel-shaped metallic attachment at the tip, known as a bit or carbide-tipped head, which directly contacts the surface being worked upon.

    Jackhammers are widely utilized in various industries, including construction, demolition, roadworks, and mining. They are favored for their ability to efficiently and forcefully break through tough materials. The powerful blows delivered by a jackhammer can fracture and shatter solid surfaces, enabling the easy removal or modification of existing structures. Although jackhammers greatly expedite tasks that would otherwise be labor-intensive, their operation requires skill and proper safety precautions due to the high levels of noise, vibrations, and potential hazards associated with their utilization.

Common Misspellings for JACKHAMMER

Etymology of JACKHAMMER

The word "jackhammer" is formed by combining two separate words: "jack" and "hammer". Here's the etymology of each word:

1. "Jack": The term "jack" was originally derived from the name "John" and was commonly used as a generic reference to a man, especially a laborer or a regular guy. It can be traced back to the Middle English period when it was spelled as "Jakke". Over time, "jack" has been used to modify various objects or devices to refer to a type of apparatus powered by a worker, such as "jack plane", "jack pump", "jackboot", etc.

2. "Hammer": The word "hammer" has its origins in Old English and Proto-Germanic languages, with related forms found in many Indo-European languages.

Plural form of JACKHAMMER is JACKHAMMERS