clam

clam · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A marine bivalve mollusk with shells of equal size, often edible.

  2. 2.

    To dig for or gather clams.

  3. 3.

    (informal, dated) A dollar.

Forms

plural: clams

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    clam up — to suddenly stop talking or become silent
  • •
    happy as a clam — very happy and content

Related words

See also: clams, mussel, oyster, shellfish
Synonyms: bivalve, mollusk, shellfish

Etymology

From Old English clamm ("bond, fetter, grip"), related to the idea of the shell clamping shut. The connection is to the clam's ability to close its shell tightly.