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clam

noun (1)
\ ˈklam How to pronounce clam (audio) \

Definition of clam

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: clamp, clasp

clam

noun (2), often attributive

Definition of clam (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud
b : a freshwater mussel
2 : a stolid or closemouthed person
3 : clamshell
4 informal : dollar sense 3

clam

verb
clammed; clamming

Definition of clam (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to gather clams especially by digging

Illustration of clam

Illustration of clam

Noun (2)

clam 1a: a incurrent orifice, b siphon, c excurrent orifice, d mantle, e shell, f foot

In the meaning defined above

Other Words from clam

Verb

clammer \ ˈkla-​mər How to pronounce clammer (audio) \ noun

First Known Use of clam

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1636, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for clam

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clamm bond, fetter; akin to Old High German klamma constriction and perhaps to Latin glomus ball

Noun (2)

clam entry 1; from the clamping action of the shells

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Time Traveler for clam

The first known use of clam was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for clam

clam

noun
\ ˈklam How to pronounce clam (audio) \

Kids Definition of clam

: a shellfish that lives in sand or mud and has a soft body surrounded by a hinged shell with two parts and that is often eaten as food

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More from Merriam-Webster on clam

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with clam

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clam

Spanish Central: Translation of clam

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clam

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