clamshell

[ klam-shel ]

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.

adjective

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

   a clamshell phone;

   clamshell packaging.

clamshell

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of clamshell¹

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

Example Sentences

Infinite Herbs organic basil, which was sold in clamshell containers from February to April, has been recalled.

From Salon

What began with cellophane in the 1930s picked up speed with the rise of plastic clamshells in the 1980s and bagged salads in the 1990s.

From New York Times

Clicking through the branching dialogue, you learn that Tess still loves her father, who appears via text messages on a silver clamshell cellphone.

From New York Times

A pea pod or a clamshell or a flower bud—something natural.

From Literature

Dear readers, I settled this once and for all: Those clear plastic “clamshell” packages that contain berries and grapes and whatnot?

From Seattle Times