A tool or device, the purpose of which is to secure one or two objects firmly in place: Trudy's friend, who is a carpenter, has several sizes of clamps to use in her work.

Some clamps are mechanical devices that have movable jaws so an object can be secured to a bench or work table.

1. To fasten two or more things firmly together by using a device or tool which holds something together tightly: The doctor clamped the blood vein during the operation.
2. To hold something firmly and tightly in position: Chuck clamped the two pieces of glued wood together until they become securely attached.
3. To establish by some authority or to impose: The government clamped a tax on imports from certain countries.
4. To press or to squeeze something: When asked to explain what happened at the meeting last night, Shanna clamped her mouth shut and refused to say anything about it.