clamptop: parallel clampbottom: C-clampclamp (kl?mp)n.1. Any of various devices used to join, grip, support, or compress mechanical or structural parts.2. Any of various tools with opposing, often adjustable sides or parts for bracing objects or holding them together.tr.v. clamped, clamp·ing, clamps 1. To fasten, grip, or support with or as if with a clamp.2. To establish by authority; impose: clamped a tax on imports.Phrasal Verb: clamp down To become more strict or repressive; impose controls: clamping down on environment polluters.[Middle English, from Middle Dutch klampe.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.clamp (klæmp) n1. (Tools) a mechanical device with movable jaws with which an object can be secured to a bench or with which two objects may be secured together2. (Building) a means by which a fixed joint may be strengthened3. (Nautical Terms) nautical a horizontal beam fastened to the ribs for supporting the deck beams in a wooden vesselvb (tr) 4. (Building) to fix or fasten with or as if with a clamp5. (Automotive Engineering) to immobilize (a car) by means of a wheel clamp6. to inflict or impose forcefully: they clamped a curfew on the town. [C14: from Dutch or Low German klamp; related to Old English clamm bond, fetter, Old Norse kleppr lump]clamp (klæmp) agriculturen1. (Agriculture) a mound formed out of a harvested root crop, covered with straw and earth to protect it from winter weather2. (Agriculture) a pile of bricks ready for processing in a furnacevb (Agriculture) (tr) to enclose (a harvested root crop) in a mound[C16: from Middle Dutch klamp heap; related to clump]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014clamp (klæmp) n. 1. a device, usu. of some rigid material, for strengthening or supporting objects or fastening them together. 2. an appliance with opposite sides or parts that may be adjusted or brought closer together to hold or compress something. 3. one of a pair of movable pieces, made of lead or other soft material, for covering the jaws of a vise and enabling it to grasp without bruising. v.t. 4. to fasten with or fix in a clamp. 5. clamp down, to impose more strict control: to clamp down on crime. [1350?1400; Middle English (n.)