clamp

Pronunciation: /ˈklæmp/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
  2. verb fasten or fix with a clamp
  3. verb impose or inflict forcefully

Etymology

From Middle Dutch clamp, klampe (“a clamp, hook”), from Proto-Germanic *klampō (“clamp, clasp, cramp”), related to Proto-West Germanic *klammjan. Cognate with Middle Low German klampe (“hook, clasp”), German Klampfe, Klampe (“clamp, cleat”), Norwegian klamp (“clamp”), Alemannic German Chlempi.

In classic literature

Synonyms

clinch

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
holding device
Narrower (hyponyms)
cramp, press, c-clamp, bench clamp, pipe vise

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