clamp
n. countablen. a tool with two jaws that you tighten to hold objects firmly in place. You use it to keep things steady while you work on them.
n. a mechanical device consisting of two jaws connected by a screw or lever, used to grip or compress objects securely.
Use a clamp to hold the wood steady.
She used a heavy clamp to secure the pipe while the glue dried completely.
The surgeon applied a metal clamp to the artery, instantly stopping the bleeding and allowing for precise repair of the damaged tissue.
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.
Imitative.