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

The product is packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers bearing the Kirkland Signature brand label with a package date of Sept. 18.

Read more on Salon

You might think strawberries are carefully sorted — possibly by a machine — into the clamshells you buy at the supermarket after being washed at some facility.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Infinite Herbs organic basil, which was sold in clamshell containers from February to April, has been recalled.

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What began with cellophane in the 1930s picked up speed with the rise of plastic clamshells in the 1980s and bagged salads in the 1990s.

Read more on New York Times

Clicking through the branching dialogue, you learn that Tess still loves her father, who appears via text messages on a silver clamshell cellphone.

Read more on New York Times