/klam"shel'/ , n.
1. the shell of a clam.
2. Mach.
a. Also called clamshell bucket . a dredging bucket opening at the bottom, consisting of two similar pieces hinged together at the top.
b. a machine equipped with such a bucket.
3. Print. a platen press.
[ 1490-1500; earlier clam-shell; see CLAM 1 , SHELL ]