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cram definition

cram (kram)

transitive verb crammed, cramming cram′·ming

  1. to fill (a space) beyond normal capacity by pressing or squeezing; pack full or too full
  2. to stuff; force to cram papers into a drawer
  3. to feed to excess; stuff with food
  4. to prepare (a student) or review (a subject) for an examination in a hurried, intensive way

Etymology: ME crammen < OE crammian, to squeeze in, stuff; akin to MHG krammen, grip with claws < IE *grem-, to press, compress (> L gremium, lap, bosom) < base *ger-, to hold, seize

intransitive verb

  1. to eat too much or too quickly
  2. to study or review a subject in a hurried, intensive way, as in preparation for an examination

noun

  1. a crowded condition; crush
  2. the act of cramming for an examination

Related Forms:

Cram definition

Cram (kram)

Cram, Ralph Adams 1863-1942; U.S. architect & writer

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