hammer rail

noun

: a padded strip of wood in a piano action that supports the hammers when at rest and in an upright piano moves forward when the soft pedal is pressed to shorten the distance between the hammer and the string

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hammer rail was in 1826

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near hammer rail

Cite this Entry

“Hammer rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammer%20rail. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!