\ ˈdam
\
\
Definition of dam
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a
: a barrier preventing the flow of water or of loose solid materials (such as soil or snow)
a beaver dam an ice dam
especially, civil engineering
: a barrier built across a watercourse for impounding (see impound sense 2) water
b
: a barrier to check the flow of liquid, gas, or air
2
: a body of water confined by a barrier
dam
verb
dammed; damming
Definition of dam (Entry 2 of 5)
1
: to provide or restrain with a barrier that prevents the flow of water : to provide or restrain with a dam (see dam entry 1 sense 1a)
dam a river
2
: to stop up : block
damming up their emotions
dam
noun (2)
Definition of dam (Entry 3 of 5)
zoology
: the female parent of an animal and especially of a domestic animal
the foal's dam
dam
abbreviation
Definition of dam (Entry 4 of 5)
dekameter
Dam
biographical name
\ ˈdam
, ˈdäm \
, ˈdäm \
Definition of Dam (Entry 5 of 5)
(Carl Peter) Henrik 1895–1976 Danish biochemist
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Synonyms & Antonyms for dam
Synonyms: Noun (1)
- dike,
- embankment,
- head,
- levee
Synonyms: Verb
Antonyms: Verb
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Cite this Entry
“Dam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dam. Accessed 9 Mar. 2021.
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More Definitions for dam
dam
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of dam
: to build a dam across (a river or stream)
See the full definition for dam in the English Language Learners Dictionary
dam
noun
\ ˈdam
\
\
Kids Definition of dam
(Entry 1 of 3)
: the female parent of a domestic animal (as a dog or horse)
dam
noun
Kids Definition of dam (Entry 2 of 3)
: a barrier (as across a stream) to hold back a flow of water
dam
verb
dammed; damming
Kids Definition of dam (Entry 3 of 3)
: to hold back or block with or as if with a dam
Leaves dammed the drains.
dam
noun
\ ˈdam
\
\
Medical Definition of dam
(Entry 1 of 3)
: a female parent
—used especially of a domestic animal
dam
noun
Medical Definition of dam (Entry 2 of 3)
: rubber dam — see dental dam
dam
abbreviation
Medical Definition of dam (Entry 3 of 3)
dekameter
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The first known use of dam was in the 13th century
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