~ 1
■ noun
1》 a brace, band, or clasp for strengthening or holding things together.
2》 an electric circuit maintaining the voltage limits of a signal at prescribed levels.
■ verb
1》 fasten in place or together with a ~.
↘hold (something) tightly against something else.
↘fit a wheel ~ to (an illegally parked car).
2》 ( ~ down ) suppress or prevent something.
3》 maintain the voltage limits of (an electrical signal) at prescribed values.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME: prob. of Du. or Low Ger. origin and related to clam .
————————
~ 2
■ noun Brit.
1》 a heap of potatoes or other root vegetables stored under straw or earth.
2》 a three-sided structure used to store silage.
Origin
C16 (denoting a pile of bricks for firing): prob. from Du. klamp 'heap'; related to clump .