I. ˈjam verb
( jammed ; jam·ming )
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1706
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to become blocked or wedged
b. : to become unworkable through the jamming of a movable part
2. : to force one's way into a restricted space
3. : to take part in a jam session
4. : dunk 2
transitive verb
1.
a. : to press into a close or tight position
jam his hat on
b.
(1) : to cause to become wedged so as to be unworkable
jam the typewriter keys
(2) : to make unworkable by jamming
c. : to block passage of : obstruct
d. : to fill often to excess : pack
the crowd jammed the theater
2. : to push forcibly ; especially : to apply (brakes) suddenly and forcibly — used with on
3. : crush , bruise
4.
a. : to make unintelligible by sending out interfering signals or messages
b. : to make (as a radar apparatus) ineffective by jamming signals or by causing reflection of radar waves
5. : to block, crowd, or bump (a pass receiver) near the line of scrimmage in football
6. : to pitch inside to (a batter)
• jam·mer ˈja-mər noun
II. noun
Date: 1805
1.
a. : an act or instance of jamming
b. : a crowded mass that impedes or blocks
a traffic jam
2.
a. : the quality or state of being jammed
b. : the pressure or congestion of a crowd : crush
3. : a difficult state of affairs : fix
got into a jam
4. : jam session
5. : dunk shot
6. slang : a musical piece
III. noun
Etymology: probably from jam (I)
Date: circa 1736
: a food made by boiling fruit and sugar to a thick consistency
• jam·my ˈja-mē adjective