| anvil | 1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped. 2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. <anatomy> Specifically, the incus. See Incus. To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion, formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is forming, but not matured. Origin: OE. Anvelt, anfelt, anefelt, AS. Anfilt, onfilt; of uncertain origin; cf. OHG. Anafalz, D. Aanbeld. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| anvil sound | In cases of a large pulmonary cavity or of pneumothorax, a clear metallic sound obtained by striking a coin, held against the chest, by another coin, or by flicking the chest wall with one's fingernail; the sound is heard on auscultating the chest wall on the same side anteroposteriorly. Synonym: anvil sound, bell sound, coin test. (05 Mar 2000) |