Anvil Common

a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering

"The blacksmith placed the glowing red horseshoe on the anvil to begin shaping it with his hammer."

the ossicle between the malleus and the stapes

"The otologist carefully examined the anvil to ensure it was properly connected to both the hammer and stirrup in the patient's ear."

A heavy iron block used in the blacksmithing trade as a surface upon which metal can be struck and shaped.

"The blacksmith placed the glowing horseshoe on the anvil to hammer it into shape."