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dam2

Syllabification: (dam)
Pronunciation: /dam/

Translate dam | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of dam

noun

  • a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, the resulting reservoir being used in the generation of electricity or as a water supply.
  • a barrier of branches in a stream, constructed by a beaver to provide a deep pool and a lodge.
  • a rubber sheet used to keep saliva from the teeth during dental operations, or as a prophylactic device during cunnilingus and anilingus.

verb (dams, damming, dammed)

[with object]
  • build a dam across (a river or lake).
  • hold back or obstruct (something):the closed lock gates dammed up the canal

Origin:

Middle English: from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch; related to Dutch dam and German Damm, also to Old English fordemman 'close up'

dam in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of dam in the British & World English dictionary

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