How to Pronounce Reflex Hammer
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Reflex Hammer Pronunciation
REE-fleks HAM-er
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
REE
stress here
fleks HAM
er
3 syllables
What is Reflex Hammer?
A small rubber-headed hammer used by clinicians to tap tendons and test deep tendon reflexes, helping assess the function of nerves and the spinal cord.
Questions About Reflex Hammer
How do you pronounce 'reflex hammer'?
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Say it like this: REE-fleks HAM-er. The first word rhymes with 'bee,' and the second word sounds like the tool you use to drive nails. Put the stress on the first syllable of each word: REE-fleks and HAM-er.
Which syllable gets the stress when you say 'reflex hammer'?
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The stress falls on REE in 'reflex' and HAM in 'hammer.' A common mistake is stressing the second syllable and saying 'ruh-FLEKS,' but the correct way puts the emphasis at the beginning: REE-fleks.
What does the word 'reflex' mean on its own?
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A reflex is an automatic response your body makes without you thinking about it—like pulling your hand away from a hot stove. In medical contexts, 'reflex' refers to the body's quick, involuntary reactions that doctors test.
How many syllables does 'reflex hammer' have?
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The term has three syllables total: REE-fleks (two syllables) and HAM-er (two syllables), which equals four syllables when said together: REE-fleks HAM-er.
What's the plain English meaning of 'reflex hammer'?
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A reflex hammer is simply a small rubber-headed tool that doctors tap on your tendons to check if your nerves are working properly. It looks similar to a regular hammer but is much smaller and softer.
Is there a shorter way to say 'reflex hammer'?
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Most of the time, people just say 'reflex hammer,' but sometimes you might hear it called a 'percussion hammer' or simply 'hammer' in a medical setting. There's no common abbreviation for this tool.
What other medical words are related to 'reflex'?
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Words like 'reflex arc,' 'deep tendon reflex,' and 'reflex test' all share the word 'reflex.' You might also hear 'tendon reflex,' which describes the specific type of reflex that a reflex hammer tests.
Can you use 'reflex hammer' in a simple sentence?
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Sure! Here's an example: 'The doctor used a reflex hammer to tap my knee and test my reflexes.' This sentence shows how the tool is used in a typical medical setting.