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.