Clamshell

Definitions

1. The shell of a clam.
2. Any object that, in (literal or figurative) resemblance to the shell of a clam, has a hinge on one edge and two surfaces that close together.
3. A dredging bucket with hinges like the shell of a clam.
4. In food service, the closing box (usually styrofoam but sometimes cardboard) given to consumers with takeout food.
5. A hinged case for a video tape, cassette tape, or video game cartridge.
6. A person's mouth.
   US, dated, derogatory, slang
7. Any object with some other resemblance to either one or both halves of the shell of a clam.
   attributive, often
8. An amphitheater, especially an outdoor amphitheater; the semi-circular acoustic backdrop behind and above the performers.
   attributive, often

Equivalents

Examples

“You'll find⟳ a mix⟳ among clamshell laptops for strong laps, lunchboxes, and sewing-machine configurations; the latter two designs typically have⟳ detachable keyboards.”

“The wall has been constructed one panel at a time by a machine which uses a clamshell bucket to excavate straight down to a depth of 30 metres. […] Specialised long-reach excavators with a clamshell grab⟳ then reach⟳ though the openings to lift⟳ the spoil⟳ to the surface, which is then deposited in articulated dump⟳ trucks (ADTs).”

“Shut⟳ your clamshell!”

“He was quickly silenced, however, by a burly individual, who "reckoned that it mout be jist as well for the stranger to keep⟳ his clam-shell shut⟳."”

“"Shut⟳ your clamshell, Toby," grumbled the Baron.”

CEFR level