clutch
clutch¹
Definition
clutch (kluc̸h)
transitive verb
- to grasp, seize, or snatch with a hand or claw
- to grasp or hold eagerly or tightly
Etymology: ME clucchen < OE clyccan, to clench (infl. in meaning by ME cloke, a claw) < IE *glek- (> cling) < base *gel-: see climb
intransitive verb
- to snatch or seize (at)
- to engage the clutch of an automobile, etc.
- ☆ Informal to become tense with anxiety, fear, etc.: often with up
noun
- a claw or hand in the act of seizing
- power; control
- the act of clutching
- a grasp; grip
- a mechanical, electromagnetic, or hydraulic device for engaging a driving shaft to, or disengaging it from, a driven shaft
- the lever or pedal, as in an automobile, by which this device is operated
- a device for gripping and holding, as in a crane
- a woman's small handbag with no handle or strap, held in the hand
- ☆ Informal a critical situation or emergency dependable in the clutch
Etymology: ME clucche < the v.
adjective
- designating or done in a critical situation
- likely to function well or be successful in such a situation
clutch²
Definition
clutch (kluc̸h)
transitive verb
Rare to hatch (chicks)
Etymology: dial. < ME clekken (< ON klekja), to hatch
noun
- a nest of eggs
- a brood of chicks
- a number of persons, animals, or things gathered together; cluster
clutch
Synonyms
clutch
Synonyms
clutch
Usage Examples
Converse of object
- disengage: It didn't even get close to disengaging the clutch.
- depress: Can you hear the squeak when depressing the clutch pedal with the engine switched off?
- escape: Can Molly escape the clutches of the sneaky Captain Spike?
- slip: I like to practice slow riding skills, dragging the back brake & slipping the clutch.
- evade: The Doctor must pass safely through the vast gardens of the royal estate while evading the clutches of their fanatical gardeners.
Preposition: at
- straw: John is just clutching at straws in the wind.
Adjective modifier
- centrifugal: I like the foot start system and the centrifugal clutch.
- crablike: If not--kindly relax that crablike clutch on my elbow before partial paralysis ensues.
- hydraulic: The hydraulic clutch is a lovely piece of engineering, with the bleed nipple atop it.
Modifies a noun
- lever: The hot start lever is unitised with the clutch lever.
- handbag: This charming antique clutch handbag closes with a fold over flap with press fasteners.
- actuator: On the right edge of the clutch actuator is an " arrow " or " tooth " that points down.
- cylinder: Clutch; A new, radial clutch master cylinder has been specially developed for the Super Duke.
- plate: Under heavy loads the splines could be slipping on the clutch plates.
- lining: Brake pads and clutch linings may also contain asbestos.
Noun used with modifier
- multi-plate: You can lock the multi-plate clutch for traction on really slippery surfaces, too.
- friction: Hydraulic couplings operate as clutches, but without the wear problems encountered with friction clutches.
- cone: This is caused by dirty hydraulic components or a fault in the sliding member ( cone clutch ).
Preposition: of
- egg: The average hatching time for a clutch of eggs is 24 hours.
- usability: They're here to save the web from the evil clutches of bad usability and accessibility!
Browse dictionary entries near clutch
- cluster headache
- cluster bomb
- cluster analysis
- cluster
- clupeid
- Cluny lace
- Cluny
- clunky
- clunker
- clunk
- clutches
- clutter
- Clwyd
- Clyde
- Clydebank
- Clydesdale
- clypeate
- clypeus
- clyster
- Clytemnestra
