-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- repugnant white nationalist, white supremacist bereft impanel cosmopolitan
- ALL
Definition of clamp
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
Explore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of clamp from the Web
-
Once Wood departed, the depleted bullpen applied the clamps.
-
Her main rival, Cyril Ramaphosa, 64, enjoys the backing of key labor unions and the communists and has emphasized inclusive growth and a clamp-down on corruption.
-
Extending from the end of each is any number of switchable instruments: clamps, scalpels or scissors, as needed.
-
Use a simple pipe clamp to hold the parts in position.
-
My team carefully placed a single pound of C-4 in its clamp.
-
The welded joints are obvious, as are the C-clamps holding pieces together.
-
The clamp down is part of Chinese president Xi Jinping's ongoing assertion of the Chinese Communist Party's censorship and control over the country's private internet media sector.
-
Kevin Love finally shook free of the Warriors' clamps, turning in one of his best postseason showings, with 27 points on 12-of-23 shooting.
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.
Origin and Etymology of clamp
Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch *klampe; akin to Old English clamm bond, fetter — more at clam
clamp
Definition of clamp
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 riotsb : to hold tightly
Examples of clamp in a Sentence
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 of clamp from the Web
-
While known as a fierce advocate for strong U.S. military action overseas, McCain also has a reputation for working with Democrats on issues from clamping down on campaign finance abuses to immigration reform.
-
In recent years, states have begun to clamp down on cash and asset seizure, and 13 states now allow forfeiture only in cases where there’s been a criminal conviction.
-
The more Putin clamped down—silencing dissent, eliminating enemies—the more urgent Kasparov’s mission became.
-
As for the game itself during these first 12 months, Niantic has rapidly added new features and tried to clamp down on cheaters in order to keep its new trainers hooked.
-
The request is being sent to all 50 states as part of the Trump administration’s push to clamp down on voter fraud.
-
Authorities have moved to clamp down on separatist sentiment, disqualifying two pro-independence candidates from office last year for making improper oaths.
-
At the same time, the Chinese government is currently clamping down on foreign Chinese overseas that have put pressure on the national renminbi currency and drained foreign exchange reserves.
-
For conservatives, however, the Senate bill would clamp down even harder on Medicaid in later years.
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.
First Known Use of clamp
1683
CLAMP Defined for English Language Learners
clamp
playDefinition of clamp for English Language Learners
-
: a device that holds or presses parts tightly together
clamp
Definition of clamp for English Language Learners
-
: to hold or press (things or parts of a thing) tightly together with a device : to fasten or tighten (something) with a clamp
-
: to press or squeeze (something)
CLAMP Defined for Kids
Definition of clamp for Students
: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly
Definition of clamp for Students
clamped
;clamping
: 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
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of clamp
: 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
Medical Definition of clamp
: to fasten with or as if with a clamp the descending thoracic aorta was clamped—W. A. Banks et al
Learn More about clamp
-
See words that rhyme with clamp Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clamp Spanish Central: Translation of clamp Nglish: Translation of clamp for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of clamp for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up clamp? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!