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The outermost of the three small auditory bones, ossicles; the hammer. It is attached to the tympanic membrane by a long process, the handle or manubrium. See Illust. of Far.

ss of hardening metal by hammering it when cold. -- Hammer shell (Zoöl.), any species of Malleus, a genus of marine bivalve shells, allied to the pearl oysters, having the wings narrow and elongated, so as to give them a hammer-shaped outline; -- called also hammer oyster. -- To bring to the hammer, to put up at auct…

Pertaining to the malleus.

p., the anterior segment of the sternum, or presternum, and the handlelike process of the malleus.

nd birds it articulates the lower jaw with the skull; in mammals it is represented by the malleus or incus.