clamp Hear it!

clamp1 definition

clamp (klamp)

noun

any of various devices for clasping or fastening things together, or for bracing parts; esp., an appliance with two parts that can be brought together, usually by a screw, to grip something

Etymology: ME < MDu klampe: for IE base see climb

transitive verb

  1. to grip, fasten, or brace with or as with a clamp
  2. ☆ to put in effect forcefully; impose to clamp a curfew on the town
clamp Idioms

clamp down (on)

☆
to become more strict (with)
clamp2 definition

clamp (klamp)

noun

the sound of heavy footsteps

Etymology: var. of clump

intransitive verb

to tread heavily

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.