clamp

/klæmp/
verb
  1. To fasten or hold something tightly using a clamp or similar device.
    • The worker clamped the metal sheet in place and began cutting.
    • Please clamp the two boards together before drilling.
    • She clamped the hose to the faucet to prevent water from spraying.
  2. To grip or press something firmly, often with a part of the body.
    • She clamped her eyes shut as the roller coaster climbed higher.
    • He clamped his hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh.
    • The dog clamped its jaws around the bone and would not let go.
  3. To impose strict controls or limits on something (often used with 'down').
    • Police are clamping down on speeding drivers near the school zone.
    • The government decided to clamp down on illegal parking in the city.
    • The school clamped down on cheating by installing cameras in exam rooms.
noun
  1. A tool used to hold things tightly together, often by squeezing.
    • She attached a clamp to the edge of the desk to hold her microphone.
    • He used a clamp to hold the wood pieces together while the glue dried.
    • The mechanic tightened the clamp around the hose to stop the leak.
  2. A medical device used to stop bleeding or hold tissue during surgery.
    • The nurse handed the surgeon a sterile clamp for the procedure.
    • The surgeon placed a clamp on the blood vessel to control the bleeding.
    • During the operation, the doctor used a small clamp to hold the artery.
What does "clamp" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean