clamshell

[ klam-shel ]

noun

1. the shell of a clam.
2. an object that has two hinged parts and that opens and closes like a clamshell, as a laptop computer or a box with a cover joined on one side:

   This clamshell is lightweight, convenient, and as powerful as my desktop computer.

3. Machinery.
   1. Also called clamshell bucket. a dredging bucket opening at the bottom, consisting of two similar pieces hinged together at the top.
   2. a machine equipped with such a bucket.
4. Printing. a platen press.

adjective

1. of or noting an object that opens and closes like a clamshell: clamshell packaging.

   a clamshell phone;

   clamshell packaging.

clamshell

/ ˈklæmˌʃɛl /

noun

1. a dredging bucket that is hinged like the shell of a clam
2. aeronautics
   1. an aircraft cockpit canopy hinged at the front and rear
   2. the hinged door of a cargo aircraft
   3. another name for eyelid
3. any of a variety of objects hinged like the shell of a clam, such as a container for takeaway food, a portable computer, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of clamshell¹

1490–1500; earlier clam-shell; clam ¹, shell

Example Sentences

Logee’s once considered plastic clamshell packaging, but Amy Miller, production manager at the Connecticut-based company, says that type of container only works well when most of your plants are the same size and shape.

From Popular-Science

Plastic waste — all those bags, fast-food clamshells, water bottles and the like — is a massive global problem.

From Washington Post

They also found that unlike the tight eukaryotic nucleosomes, the Slinky-like archaeasomes flop open stochastically, like clamshells.

From Quanta Magazine

Using computer simulations and electron microscopy experiments on the genetic material of Methanothermus fervidus, a heat-loving archaeal species, the researchers found the Slinky-like shapes opened and closed in a clamshell motion.

From Science News

However, it does so with a more traditional clamshell design.

From Ars Technica

And so Ab slid down the tree, clamshell in hand, and began laboring vigorously at the spot agreed upon.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not a difficult task for a strong boy to cut through tough grass roots with the keen edge of the clamshell.

From Project Gutenberg

The co-pilot closed the clamshell doors, and it became possible to hear oneself think again.

From Project Gutenberg

It ended astern in a clumsy-looking bulge that was closed by a pair of huge clamshell doors, opening straight astern.

From Project Gutenberg

He was eyeing the clamshell and looking more and more uneasy.

From Project Gutenberg