dam

(dăm)

1. a. A barrier constructed across a waterway to control the flow or raise the level of water.
   b. A body of water controlled by such a barrier.
2. A barrier against the passage of liquid or loose material, as a rubber sheet used in dentistry to isolate one or more teeth from the rest of the mouth.
3. An obstruction; a hindrance.

1. To hold back or confine by means of a dam.
2. To close up; obstruct: He tried to dam his grief. See Synonyms at hinder¹.

Related Forms:

• damˈmer noun

(dăm)

1. Abbr. d. A female parent. Used of a four-legged animal.
2. Archaic A mother.

(dăm, däm), (Carl Peter) Henrik 1895-1976.