# clamp

/ˈkɫæmp/ (US) · /klˈæmp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clamp
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a tool for holding

noun · CEFR B2

a tool that you use to hold two things together very tightly while you work on them.

For teachers: a mechanical device used to strengthen or hold objects together by applying inward pressure.

- He used a metal clamp to hold the pieces of wood together while the glue dried.
- The carpenter tightened the G-clamp until the two joints were perfectly aligned and immobile for the duration of the curing process.

### 2. medical tool

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a medical tool used by doctors to stop blood from flowing through a vessel during an operation.

For teachers: a surgical instrument designed to compress a structure, such as a blood vessel or a duct, to prevent leakage or flow.

- The surgeon placed a clamp on the artery to stop the bleeding.
- The surgical team monitored the pressure carefully after the vascular clamp was applied to ensure no damage occurred to the vessel walls.

### 3. wheel lock

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a metal lock put on a car wheel by the police so the car cannot be driven away.

For teachers: a device attached to the wheel of a vehicle to prevent it from being driven, typically used for parking enforcement.

- He returned to his car only to find a yellow clamp on the front wheel.
- The council authorised the use of a wheel clamp after the vehicle had accumulated several unpaid parking fines over the preceding months.

### 4. to fasten or grip

verb · CEFR B2

to hold something very tightly or to fix it in place using a tool.

For teachers: to fasten or secure an object in place with a clamp; to grip something with great force.

- She clamped her hands over her ears to block out the loud noise.
- The machine part must be clamped firmly to the workbench before you begin the drilling process to avoid any dangerous shifts in position.

### 5. to restrict a value

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to limit a number so it stays between a certain high and low point.

For teachers: to restrict a numerical value to a specific range, replacing any value outside the range with the nearest boundary value.

- The software will clamp the volume level so it never gets too loud for the speakers.
- The algorithm is designed to clamp the output signal between zero and one to prevent data overflow during the final processing stage.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.