clamp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklamp 

1

: a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly

2

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

clamp

2 of 2

verb

clamped; clamping; clamps

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

clamp two boards together

2

a

: to place by decree : impose

—often used with on

clamped on a curfew after the riots

b

: to hold tightly

Synonyms

Verb

• anchor
• catch
• fasten
• fix
• hitch
• moor
• secure
• set

Examples of clamp in a Sentence

Verb

The surgeon clamped the vein.

He clamped the two pieces of wood together.

The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth.

He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Previous work from Devaraj’s lab showed the amino acid cysteine, which was also likely prevalent during our planet’s youth, can act like a chemical clamp, fastening certain precursor molecules together to yield lipids. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

One end of whichever cable is being used gets hooked onto a padded clamp that is securely fastened around the handle of a dumbbell. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2024

Verb

There was not nearly as much of a reaction from starfish when the arms were clamped in the middle or end. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024

On one particular rep with the backups, he got clamped by Kindle Vildor. —Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch *klampe; akin to Old English clamm bond, fetter — more at clam

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clamp

• C-clamp
• clamp down
• clamp down on
• clamp on
• wheel clamp

Kids Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

clamp

2 of 2 verb

: to fasten or tighten with or as if with a clamp

Medical Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

especially : an instrument used to hold, compress, or crush vessels and hollow organs and to aid in surgical excision of parts

an arterial clamp

clamp

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

the descending thoracic aorta was clamped

—W. A. Banks et al.