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tram
1[ tram ]
/ trĂŠm /
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noun
verb (used with or without object), trammed, tram·ming.
to convey or travel by tram.
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Origin of tram
1First recorded in 1490â1500; Middle English tram, tram(me) âmechanical device, astronomical instrument, siege towerâ); 1820â30 for def. 2; originally shafts of a barrow or cart, rails for carts (in mines); perhaps from Middle Dutch trame âbeamâ
OTHER WORDS FROM tram
tramless, adjectiveWords nearby tram
Other definitions for tram (2 of 3)
tram2
[ tram ]
/ trĂŠm /
noun
verb (used with object), trammed, tram·ming.
Machinery. to adjust (something) correctly.
Origin of tram
2First recorded in 1880â85; short for trammel
Other definitions for tram (3 of 3)
tram3
[ tram ]
/ trĂŠm /
noun
silk that has been slightly or loosely twisted, used weftwise in weaving silk fabrics.
Compare organzine.
Origin of tram
3First recorded in 1670â80; from French trame âwoof, weft, tram,â from Latin trÄma âwarp,â from trahere âto draw, dragâ
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tram in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tram (1 of 3)
tram1
/ (trĂŠm) /
noun
Also called: tramcar an electrically driven public transport vehicle that runs on rails let into the surface of the road, power usually being taken from an overhead wireUS and Canadian names: streetcar, trolley car
a small vehicle on rails for carrying loads in a mine; tub
Derived forms of tram
tramless, adjectiveWord Origin for tram
C16 (in the sense: shaft of a cart): probably from Low German traam beam; compare Old Norse thrömr, Middle Dutch traem beam, tooth of a rake
British Dictionary definitions for tram (2 of 3)
tram2
/ (trĂŠm) /
noun
machinery a fine adjustment that ensures correct function or alignment
verb trams, tramming or trammed
(tr) to adjust (a mechanism) to a fine degree of accuracy
Word Origin for tram
C19: short for trammel
British Dictionary definitions for tram (3 of 3)
tram3
/ (trĂŠm) /
noun
(in weaving) a weft yarn of two or more twisted strands of silk
Word Origin for tram
C17: from French trame, from Latin trÄma; related to Latin trÄns across, trÄmes footpath
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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