clamshell

American  

[klam-shel] / ˈklæmˌʃɛl /

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.

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adjective

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

   a clamshell phone;

   clamshell packaging.

clamshell British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of clamshell

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

Example Sentences

On Wednesday morning, the South Pasadena Police Department recovered the remains of a dead man from the Lower Clamshell Area in the Angeles National Forest, according to Megerdichian.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2023

Clamshell and antenna array removed from the M1 MacBook Air.

From The Verge • Mar. 26, 2022

He later devoted his organizing energies to the movement against nuclear power, helping to found the Clamshell Alliance to oppose the construction of the Seabrook nuclear power plant in New Hampshire.

From Washington Post • Mar. 21, 2022

A group that called itself the Clamshell Alliance arose to oppose building a nuclear power plant in New Hampshire.

From The Guardian • Mar. 13, 2017

Passing a rugged point where the causeway projects considerably, we came suddenly upon the Scallop or Clamshell Cave, so justly esteemed one of the most wonderful features of this famous island.

From With the World's Great Travellers, Volume 3 by Various