clamshell

Meanings

1. The shell of a clam.
2. Any object that, in (literal or figurative) resemblance to the shell of a clam, has a hinge on one edge and two surfaces that close together.
3. A dredging bucket with hinges like the shell of a clam.
4. In food service, the closing box (usually styrofoam but sometimes cardboard) given to consumers with takeout food.
5. A hinged case for a video tape, cassette tape, or video game cartridge.
6. A person's mouth.
7. Any object with some other resemblance to either one or both halves of the shell of a clam.
8. An amphitheater, especially an outdoor amphitheater; the semi-circular acoustic backdrop behind and above the performers.

1. To deform a die in a shape resembling the shell of a clam, as a result of uneven extrusion pressure.
2. To dig out by means of a clamshell (dredging bucket).
3. To compress or flatten underwater debris so as to avoid blocking a channel.
4. To open or close by means of a hinge, similar to the way a clamshell opens and closes.

Etymology

From clam + shell.

Translations