Clam: meaning, definitions and examples

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clam

 

[ klรฆm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

marine animal

A clam is a type of bivalve mollusk that lives in both marine and freshwater environments. They have two hinged shells that protect their soft bodies and are typically buried in sand or mud. Clams are known for their ability to burrow into the substrate, which provides them with protection from predators. They filter-feed by drawing in water and extracting plankton and other food particles. Clams are also a popular seafood choice in many cultures around the world.

Synonyms

bivalve, mollusk, shellfish

Examples of usage

  • We found some clams while digging on the beach.
  • Clams are often served in pasta dishes.
  • The fishermen caught a large haul of clams today.
Context #2 | Verb

speak freely

To clam up means to suddenly stop talking or to refuse to disclose information. This term often describes someone who becomes silent during a conversation or an inquiry. Clamming up can occur due to shyness, fear of judgment, or legal reasons. It's generally considered a form of evasion in communication, leading to frustration for the person seeking information. The phrase is often used in informal contexts.

Synonyms

retreat, silence, withdraw

Examples of usage

  • He tends to clam up when asked about his past.
  • During the interrogation, the suspect clammed up completely.
  • She clammed up as soon as the question was asked.

Translations

Translations of the word "clam" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น molusco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฒเฅˆเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Muschel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kerang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะพะปัŽัะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ maล‚ลผ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒžใ‚ฐใƒช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท palourde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ almeja

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท istiridye

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐ๊ฐœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ muลกle

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ muลกฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่›ค่œŠ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลกkoljka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skeljar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะฑั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™niz qapaฤŸฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ almeja

Etymology

The word 'clam' originated in the early 14th century, deriving from the Middle English term 'clam' or 'clame,' which is believed to come from the Old Norse word 'klami' meaning 'a claw' or 'a hook.' This etymology reflects the shellfish's hard, hinged shells that resemble claws. Over time, the term broadened to encompass various species of bivalves in both marine and freshwater habitats. It was likely influenced by the characteristics of clams, specifically how they burrow into soft substrates, much like claws gripping or holding onto surfaces. The usage of 'clam' as a verb, meaning to silence oneself, is believed to have emerged in the American English vernacular during the late 19th century, possibly as a colloquial expression connected to secrecy or withholding information.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,585, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.