A steam-hammer is a powerful tool used in metalworking and forging. It operates by using steam to power a heavy piston that delivers a powerful blow to the metal being worked. However, there are several other words that can be used as synonyms for a steam-hammer. These include pneumatic hammer, power hammer, forging hammer, and drop hammer. Each of these tools operates on different mechanisms but ultimately serve the same purpose of shaping metal. While a steam-hammer may have been the tool of choice in the past, these alternatives have become increasingly popular due to their improved efficiency and precision in metalworking.