Wa"ter ham"mer (?). Physics
1.
A vessel partly filled with water, exhausted of air, and hermetically sealed. When reversed or shaken, the water being unimpeded by air, strikes the sides in solid mass with a sound like that of a hammer.
2.
A concussion, or blow, made by water in striking, as against the sides of a pipe or vessel containing it.
© Webster 1913.
Water hammer.
A metal hammer used when heated, as by dipping in hot water, to blister the skin, as for counterritation.
© Webster 1913