noun/verbmasculinepl: jackhammers
britadeira
1. A pneumatic or electric tool that delivers rapid, forceful blows to break up hard surfaces like concrete, rock, or pavement
The construction workers used a jackhammer to demolish the old concrete foundation.
Os trabalhadores de construção usaram uma britadeira para demolir a velha fundação de concreto.
2. To break, demolish, or drill something using a jackhammer
They had to jackhammer through the concrete floor to access the pipes below.
Eles tiveram que usar a britadeira no piso de concreto para acessar os canos abaixo.
3. To move or operate in a rapid, rhythmic, or forceful manner resembling a jackhammer
His heart was jackhammering in his chest from the fear.
Seu coração estava acelerado no peito pelo medo.
In Brazilian construction and demolition contexts, 'britadeira' is the standard term widely recognized by workers. The onomatopoetic nature of 'jackhammer' is appreciated in English for describing both the tool's sound and its percussive action. The term has become common in metaphorical uses in both English and Portuguese to describe rapid, forceful movements.
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