CLAM Meaning and
Definition
-
Clam is a noun with multiple definitions. Primarily, it refers to a type of bivalve mollusk, typically found in shallow water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. These shellfish have a two-part hinged shell, protecting their soft inner body. They are often harvested for consumption as seafood due to their meaty texture and delicate taste. Clams vary in size, shape, and color, with species like quahogs, littlenecks, and razor clams being among the most well-known.
Moreover, the term "clam" can also refer to the soft parts of these mollusks, such as the inner edible flesh. These can be consumed raw, steamed, fried, or used in various culinary preparations, like clam chowders, pasta dishes, or clam-based sauces.
Additionally, "clam" is also used informally to describe a reserved or silent person. This colloquial usage stems from the clam's tendency to close its shell tightly, symbolizing reticence or introversion. People may refer to someone as a "clam" if they are uncommunicative or reluctant to speak openly.
Furthermore, in slang, "clam" can refer to a dollar bill, particularly in North America. This informal usage originates from the similarity between the shape of a closed clamshell and a folded dollar bill. This slang term is often employed in informal contexts or among certain groups familiar with the idiom.
-
• A shell-fish of the shape of an oyster, but having a shell grooved on the outside like a cockle.
• To clog or obstruct with glutinous matter; to be moist.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CLAM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CLAM
Etymology of CLAM
The word "clam" comes from Middle English "clamme", which can be traced back to Old English "clamm" or "clam", meaning "shell" or "what closes tightly". This Old English word is related to the Dutch word "klam", meaning "clamp" or "tongs", and also to the German word "Klammer", meaning "staple" or "clamp". The term "clam" was initially used to refer to any bivalve mollusk with a hard shell, but over time, it became more specifically associated with the family of bivalves known as clams.
Idioms with the word CLAM
-
clam up
The idiom "clam up" means to suddenly become silent or refuse to speak, usually due to being nervous, secretive, or unwilling to share information.
-
shut up like a clam
The idiom "shut up like a clam" means to become silent or refuse to speak, keeping one's thoughts, opinions, or secrets to oneself. It suggests a person's strong preference for maintaining silence or secrecy, similar to how a clam keeps its shell tightly closed.
-
(as) happy as a clam
The idiom "(as) happy as a clam" means to be very happy and content. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is completely satisfied with their current situation or state of being. The origin of the idiom comes from the full saying "happy as a clam at high water," emphasizing the idea that clams are content and safe during high tide.
-
close as a clam
The idiom "close as a clam" means to be very secretive or unwilling to share information or emotions. It is typically used to describe someone who keeps their thoughts, feelings, or intentions to themselves, often remaining silent or reserved. The idiom originates from the fact that clams have tightly closed shells, making it difficult to know what is happening inside.
-
happy as a clam
The idiom "happy as a clam" means to be very happy and content in one's current situation or circumstances. The phrase is derived from the full phrase "happy as a clam at high water," with the idea that clams are happiest during high tide when they are safe from being harvested or dug up by humans.
-
happy as a clam at high tide
The idiom "happy as a clam at high tide" is used to describe someone who is extremely happy, content, or is in a state of great satisfaction and fulfillment. It derives from the idea that clams can only be harvested during low tide, so during high tide they are safe and secure, hence presumed to be happy.
-
be (as) happy as a clam (at high tide)
The idiom "be (as) happy as a clam (at high tide)" means to be very happy, content, or carefree. It originates from the full phrase "as happy as a clam at high water" which suggests that clams are happiest when the tide is high and they are safe from being harvested.
-
happy as the day is long/as a clam/as Larry
The idiom "happy as the day is long/as a clam/as Larry" means extremely happy and content. The expression suggests a state of complete satisfaction and joy.
Similar spelling words for CLAM
- clan,
- clon,
- clay,
- clammy,
- clad,
- Clemmie,
- claw,
- Clem,
- claim,
- clap,
- clime,
- calm,
- Clum,
- clamp,
- clean,
- clams,
- cram,
- slam,
- cleome.
Conjugate verb Clam
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be clamming
you
would be clamming
he/she/it
would be clamming
we
would be clamming
they
would be clamming
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have clamed
you
would have clamed
he/she/it
would have clamed
we
would have clamed
they
would have clamed
I
would have clam
you
would have clam
he/she/it
would have clam
we
would have clam
they
would have clam
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been clamming
you
would have been clamming
he/she/it
would have been clamming
we
would have been clamming
they
would have been clamming
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been claming
you
would have been claming
he/she/it
would have been claming
we
would have been claming
they
would have been claming
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would clam
you
would clam
he/she/it
would clam
we
would clam
they
would clam
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be claming
you
would be claming
he/she/it
would be claming
we
would be claming
they
would be claming
FUTURE
I
will clam
you
will clam
he/she/it
will clam
we
will clam
they
will clam
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be claming
you
will be claming
he/she/it
will be claming
we
will be claming
they
will be claming
I
will be clamming
you
will be clamming
he/she/it
will be clamming
we
will be clamming
they
will be clamming
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have clamed
you
will have clamed
he/she/it
will have clamed
we
will have clamed
they
will have clamed
I
will have clammed
you
will have clammed
he/she/it
will have clammed
we
will have clammed
they
will have clammed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been claming
you
will have been claming
he/she/it
will have been claming
we
will have been claming
they
will have been claming
I
will have been clamming
you
will have been clamming
he/she/it
will have been clamming
we
will have been clamming
they
will have been clamming
IMPERATIVE
you
clam
we
let´s clam
to clam
PAST
I
clammed
you
clammed
he/she/it
clammed
we
clammed
they
clammed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was claming
you
were claming
he/she/it
was claming
we
were claming
they
were claming
I
was clamming
you
were clamming
he/she/it
was clamming
we
were clamming
they
were clamming
PAST PARTICIPLE
clamed
clammed
PAST PERFECT
I
had clamed
you
had clamed
he/she/it
had clamed
we
had clamed
they
had clamed
I
had clammed
you
had clammed
he/she/it
had clammed
we
had clammed
they
had clammed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been claming
you
had been claming
he/she/it
had been claming
we
had been claming
they
had been claming
I
had been clamming
you
had been clamming
he/she/it
had been clamming
we
had been clamming
they
had been clamming
PRESENT
I
clam
you
clam
he/she/it
clams
we
clam
they
clam
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am claming
you
are claming
he/she/it
is claming
we
are claming
they
are claming
I
am clamming
you
are clamming
he/she/it
is clamming
we
are clamming
they
are clamming
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
claming
clamming
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have clamed
you
have clamed
he/she/it
has clamed
we
have clamed
they
have clamed
I
have clammed
you
have clammed
he/she/it
has clammed
we
have clammed
they
have clammed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been claming
you
have been claming
he/she/it
has been claming
we
have been claming
they
have been claming
I
have been clamming
you
have been clamming
he/she/it
has been clamming
we
have been clamming
they
have been clamming
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
clam
SIMPLE PAST
I
clamed
you
clamed
he/she/it
clamed
we
clamed
they
clamed
I
would have clammed
we
would have clammed
you
would have clammed
he/she/it
would have clammed
they
would have clammed
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
