clamp1
  
  n.
  - a brace, band, or clasp for strengthening or holding things together.
 - an electric circuit maintaining the voltage limits of a signal at prescribed levels.
 
v.
   - fasten in place or together with a clamp. 
▸hold (something) tightly against something else.
 ▸fit a wheel clamp to (an illegally parked car).
 - 
(clamp down)
 suppress or prevent something.
 - maintain the voltage limits of (an electrical signal) at prescribed values.
 
 
  Derivative
  
  Etymology
  ME: prob. of Du. or Low Ger. origin and rel. to clam.
 
  
    
clamp2
  
  n.
 Brit.  - a heap of potatoes or other root vegetables stored under straw or earth.
 - a three-sided structure used to store silage.
 
 
  Etymology
  C16 (denoting a pile of bricks for firing): prob. from Du. klamp ‘heap’; rel. to clump.