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clamshell

 - 2 dictionary results

clam⋅shell

[klam-shel]
–noun
1. the shell of a clam.
2. Machinery.
a. Also called clamshell bucket. a dredging bucket opening at the bottom, consisting of two similar pieces hinged together at the top.
b. a machine equipped with such a bucket.
3. Printing. a platen press.

Origin:
1490–1500; earlier clam-shell; see clam 1 , shell
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To clamshell
clam·shell   (klām'shěl')   
n.  
  1. The shell of a clam.

  2. Any of various devices that consist of two parts attached by a hinge and that open and close like a clamshell, especially a digging or dredging machine with a bucket that has hinged jaws or a handheld electronic device.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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