clamshell

Meanings

Noun

• The shell of a clam.
• 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.
• Any object with some other resemblance to either one or both halves of the shell of a clam.

Adjective

• similar to the operation of a clam's shell, having a hinge with two sides closing together

Origin

• clam + shell