Pronunciation: [klˈami] (IPA) 
The word clammy is often misspelled as "clamy" or "clammey". However, the correct spelling is "c-l-a-m-m-y". This word is pronounced as /ˈklæmi/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "clam" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a voiced "m" sound. The second syllable "my" is pronounced with a long "e" sound and a voiced "m" sound. So, always remember to use two "m"s when spelling clammy!
Clammy is an adjective used to describe something that is cool, damp, and sticky to the touch. It is often associated with an unpleasant, moist feeling on the skin. This sensation can be caused by excessive perspiration or humidity, resulting in a slight layer of moisture on the surface of the body or an object.
When referring to the physical sensation experienced on the skin, clammy can denote a discomfort resulting from an abnormal level of moisture. This can be due to nervousness, anxiety, illness, or intense physical exertion. Clammy skin is commonly associated with fever, chills, or sweating caused by feverish conditions.
In a broader sense, the term clammy can also describe other objects or substances that feel vaguely damp or sticky. For instance, a clammy handshake refers to a handshake with a moist, sweaty palm, which is often considered unpleasant or unprofessional. Similarly, a clammy towel might not fully absorb water due to its dampness, causing an uncomfortable feeling when used.
Overall, the term clammy describes a tactile sensation characterized by cool, moist stickiness usually associated with sweating, humidity, or an abnormal moistness. It is commonly used to describe physical discomfort or objects that are slightly damp and sticky.
Thick; adhesive; soft and sticky.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "clammy" originated in the late 14th century, deriving from the Middle English word "clamme", which means "cold and damp". It is believed to have come from the Old English word "clæman" meaning "to smear or daub", possibly related to the Germanic root "klem", meaning "to press or stick together". Over time, "clamme" evolved to "clammy", retaining its association with cold and dampness, describing something that feels cold, damp, and unpleasantly sticky to the touch.
