clamp

noun

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\ ˈklamp

Definition of clamp

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly

2 : any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

clamp

verb

clamped; clamping; clamps

Definition of clamp (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to fasten with or as if with a clamp clamp two boards together

2a : to place by decree : impose —often used with on clamped on a curfew after the riots

b : to hold tightly

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Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing clamp Learn More About clamp

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Synonyms & Antonyms for clamp

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Verb

Examples of clamp in a Sentence

Verb The surgeon clamped the vein. He clamped the two pieces of wood together. The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth. He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Think about adding hooks beside the bed for your guest’s belongings, a removable plant holder over the pillows, and a clamp reading lamp for homey touches. — Jill Gleeson, Country Living, 26 May 2022 The bottom of each saddle features a clamp which bolts to the roof rack, and the top is a rubber pad with a hinge for angle adjustment. — Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 20 May 2022 Deeper long spines may need a firmer grip, in which case Trager uses pliers or a hemostat clamp. — Aliese Willard Muhonen, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2022 Instead, owners will ship back a seat clamp and a special lug from the rear dropout of the bike, rendering the bike unrideable. — Mark Knapp, PCMAG, 14 Apr. 2022 Is a butterfly hair clip a usable clamp for an artery that's bleeding out? — Clarissa Cruz, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2022 The device simply fastens to the tray table with its 1.5-inchwide clamp. — Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2022 As technicians prepared to attach it to the spacecraft, a clamp let loose unexpectedly and the whole instrument quivered. — New York Times, 20 Dec. 2021 The lid closes with a reassuring snap, thanks to a clamp system that, coupled with a rubber gasket, keeps beer carbonated and cold for up to 24 hours. — Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 4 June 2015 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Behind the wheels are red calipers; a pair of Brembo six-piston units pinch the massive 16.1-inch iron front rotors, and single-piston calipers clamp the 13.5-inch rear rotors. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 11 May 2022 The gums on the left side of my mouth are wearing away at a distressing rate because those teeth apparently clamp together long before the ones on the other side can connect, and therefore do most of the chewing. — New York Times, 3 May 2022 For one, the Alpha is comfortable: the design doesn't clamp too hard on the head, and the ample soft padding on the headband and earcups keeps the headset comfortable to wear for hours at a time. — Ars Staff, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2022 Magnets clamp an iPhone into position on a MagSafe wireless charger, ending the positioning game and holding the iPhone in place. — Brad Moon, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2022 An active feature adds both the ability to pre-charge the system ahead of hard stops and to subtly clamp individual brakes to help shepherd the front end into corners. — Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 7 Mar. 2022 Take a clothes hanger from the closet – the one with the clips – and clamp both sides of the curtains together. — Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2022 The fierce punishments that the West is threatening to clamp on Russia's economy also seem like a steep price to pay. — Stephen Collinson, CNN, 4 Feb. 2022 Glue and clamp the parts together on a workbench [6]. — Neal Barrett, Popular Mechanics, 31 July 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clamp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near clamp

clamoursome

clamp

clamp connection

Statistics for clamp

Last Updated

28 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Clamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamp. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for clamp

clamp

noun

\ ˈklamp

Kids Definition of clamp

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

clamp

verb

clamped; clamping

Kids Definition of clamp (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fasten or to hold tightly with or as if with a clamp … Mom was driving with both hands clamped tightly around the wheel …— Jack Gantos, Joey Pigza Loses Control

clamp

noun

\ ˈklamp

Medical Definition of clamp

(Entry 1 of 2)

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something especially : an instrument used to hold, compress, or crush vessels and hollow organs and to aid in surgical excision of parts an arterial clamp

clamp

transitive verb

Medical Definition of clamp (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp the descending thoracic aorta was clamped— W. A. Banks et al.