clamp — a device used to hold or secure something tightly in position
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a device used to hold or secure something tightly in position
Pronunciation (IPA): /klæmp/
Example Sentences
- The dentist used a rubber dam clamp that made me look like a confused walrus.
- My dad's workshop has more clamps than actual tools - he's basically a clamp collector.
- The government decided to clamp down on illegal parking in the city center.
clamp
NOUN[/klæmp/]
a device used to hold or secure something tightly in position
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Clamp derives from Middle Dutch 'klampe', meaning 'clasp' or 'fastening device'. The term originated among seafarers who used it to describe tools for securing ship ropes, later spreading to land-based usage and becoming a general term for any fastening or holding device.
Breakdown
The word originates from Middle Dutch 'klampe' (clasp, fastening device), which was adopted into English with minimal morphological modification. The root 'klamp-' carries the semantic core of 'to grip' or 'to hold firmly'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The dentist used a rubber dam clamp that made me look like a confused walrus.”
“My dad's workshop has more clamps than actual tools - he's basically a clamp collector.”
“The government decided to clamp down on illegal parking in the city center.”
“She had to clamp her mouth shut to avoid laughing during the serious meeting.”
📚Related Words
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