Ram

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ɹæm/

Definitions

1. A mature male sheep known for its thick horns ; a tool or machine used to push or strike something with force ; a type of computer memory that allows data to be accessed quickly and temporarily
2. An adult male sheep often recognized by curled horns ; a mechanical device designed to deliver impact or pressure ; memory in computers that stores data temporarily for quick access
3. The male sheep species characterized by robust horns ; equipment employed for hitting or pushing strongly ; volatile memory in electronic devices used for temporary data storage

Etymology: The animal sense of "ram" goes back to Old English "ramm", and the verb (to batter or drive something forcefully) grew out of it, since a ram's head was used to strike. The root may be a Germanic word meaning "strong", which connects to Dutch "ram" and German "Ramme" for a male sheep or a battering device. Its Scandinavian relatives, such as Icelandic "rammur" meaning "strong, sturdy", suggest the animal was named for its power before the sheep itself was the main idea. A second, separate strand gives the word a surprising twist. Old Norse "rammr" meant "strong, rank, bitter", and English speakers used related words for a strong, unpleasant smell. Scots "ram" still means "a rank odour", and Middle English "rammish" described something foul-smelling. This sense is likely the source of the stench associated with a male goat or sheep in rut.

Synonyms: batter, crash, smash, collide, force

Antonyms: pull, withdraw, recede, retreat, disengage