First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1clam
noun \ˈklam\
Definition of CLAM
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Origin of CLAM
Middle English, from Old English clamm bond, fetter; akin to Old High German klamma constriction and perhaps to Latin glomus ball
2clam
noun, often attributive
Definition of CLAM
1
a : any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud b : a freshwater mussel
2
: a stolid or closemouthed person
3
4
: dollar 3
Illustration of CLAM
Origin of CLAM
1clam; from the clamping action of the shells
First Known Use: circa 1520
Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms
3clam
verb
clammedclam·ming
Definition of CLAM
intransitive verb
: to gather clams especially by digging
— clam·mer \ˈkla-mər\ noun
See clam defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLAM
1636
CLAMMING Defined for Kids
clam
noun \ˈklam\
Definition of CLAM for Kids
: a shellfish that lives in sand or mud and has a soft body surrounded by a hinged shell with two parts and that is often eaten as food
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