clamshell

[ klam-shel ]
/ ˈklæmˌʃɛl /

noun

the shell of a clam.
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.
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.
Printing. a platen press.

adjective

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

Origin of clamshell

1490–1500; earlier clam-shell; see clam1, shell

Words nearby clamshell

clamp down, clamp down on, clamp forceps, clampdown, clamper, clamshell, clamshell door, clamworm, clan, clancy, clandestine

British Dictionary definitions for clam shells

clamshell
/ (ˈklæmˌʃɛl) /

noun

mainly US a dredging bucket that is hinged like the shell of a clam
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 (def. 2)
any of a variety of objects hinged like the shell of a clam, such as a container for takeaway food, a portable computer, etc