jackhammer
UK[ˈdʒækˌhæmə(r)]US[ˈdʒækˌhæmər]
n
a large, powerful tool, usually powered by compressed air, that is held in the hands and used for breaking up hard materials such as concrete or road surfaces.
Morpheme Breakdown
jack
hammer
jack
hammer
Etymology
the word 'jackhammer' is a compound formed in american english during the late 19th century. the element 'jack' has a long history of being used as a generic name for a man, which evolved to denote various mechanical devices or helpers that perform labor, such as a 'jack' for lifting. the element 'hammer' derives from old english, referring to a tool for delivering blows. the compound 'jackhammer' thus logically names a powerful, mechanized hammer that performs heavy labor like a tireless worker. it specifically came to denote a portable, pneumatic rock drill, distinguishing it from simpler manual hammers.
Analysis
Structure: jack + hammer
'jack' (origin: middle english, from the name 'jack', used generically for a man or a mechanical device; functional role: attributive noun, specifying a type). 'hammer' (origin: old english 'hamor', from proto-germanic; functional role: head noun, indicating a tool for striking).
Examples
the constant noise from the jackhammer outside made it impossible to concentrate.
construction workers used a jackhammer to break up the old sidewalk.
he rented a jackhammer from the hardware store to tackle the foundation removal himself.