clutch Hear it!

clutch¹ Definition

clutch (kluc̸h)

transitive verb

  1. to grasp, seize, or snatch with a hand or claw
  2. 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

  1. to snatch or seize (at)
  2. to engage the clutch of an automobile, etc.
  3. ☆ Informal to become tense with anxiety, fear, etc.: often with up

noun

  1. a claw or hand in the act of seizing
  2. power; control
    1. the act of clutching
    2. a grasp; grip
    1. a mechanical, electromagnetic, or hydraulic device for engaging a driving shaft to, or disengaging it from, a driven shaft
    2. the lever or pedal, as in an automobile, by which this device is operated
  5. a device for gripping and holding, as in a crane
  6. a woman's small handbag with no handle or strap, held in the hand
  7. ☆ Informal a critical situation or emergency dependable in the clutch

Etymology: ME clucche < the v.

adjective

  1. designating or done in a critical situation
  2. 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

  1. a nest of eggs
  2. a brood of chicks
  3. a number of persons, animals, or things gathered together; cluster

clutch Synonyms

clutch

n.

  1. A mechanical device

    friction clutch, coupling, connection; see link, part 2.

  2. Grip

    grasp, clasp, hold; see grip 2.

clutch Synonyms

clutch

v.

grab, grasp, grip; see hold 1, seize 1. See syn. study at seize.

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

  1. ‹ cluster headache
  2. ‹ cluster bomb
  3. ‹ cluster analysis
  4. ‹ cluster
  5. ‹ clupeid
  6. ‹ Cluny lace
  7. ‹ Cluny
  8. ‹ clunky
  9. ‹ clunker
  10. ‹ clunk
  1. clutches ›
  2. clutter ›
  3. Clwyd ›
  4. Clyde ›
  5. Clydebank ›
  6. Clydesdale ›
  7. clypeate ›
  8. clypeus ›
  9. clyster ›
  10. Clytemnestra ›