Definition of Dam

1. Noun. A barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea.

Exact synonyms: Dike, Dyke
Specialized synonyms: Aswan High Dam, High Dam, Glen Canyon Dam, Hoover Dam
Generic synonyms: Barrier
Specialized synonyms: Milldam, Weir
Derivative terms: Dike, Dyke

2. Verb. Obstruct with, or as if with, a dam. "Dam the gorges of the Yangtse River"
Exact synonyms: Dam Up
Generic synonyms: Block, Close Up, Impede, Jam, Obstruct, Obturate, Occlude

3. Noun. A metric unit of length equal to ten meters.
Exact synonyms: Decameter, Decametre, Dekameter, Dekametre, Dkm
Generic synonyms: Metric Linear Unit
Terms within: M, Meter, Metre
Group relationships: Hectometer, Hectometre, Hm

4. Noun. Female parent of an animal especially domestic livestock.
Generic synonyms: Female

Definition of Dam

1. n. A female parent; -- used of beasts, especially of quadrupeds; sometimes applied in contempt to a human mother.

2. n. A barrier to prevent the flow of a liquid; esp., a bank of earth, or wall of any kind, as of masonry or wood, built across a water course, to confine and keep back flowing water.

3. v. t. To obstruct or restrain the flow of, by a dam; to confine by constructing a dam, as a stream of water; -- generally used with in or up.

Definition of Dam

1. Noun. Structure placed across a flowing body of water to stop the flow. ¹

2. Noun. (dentistry) A device to prevent a tooth from getting wet, consisting of a rubber sheet held with a band. ¹

3. Verb. To block the flow of water. ¹

4. Noun. Female parent, mother, generally regarding breeding of animals (correlative to sire). ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Dam

1. to build a barrier to obstruct the flow of water [v DAMMED, DAMMING, DAMS]

Medical Definition of Dam

1. 1. A female parent; used of beasts, especially of quadrupeds; sometimes applied in contempt to a human mother. "Our sire and dam, now confined to horses, are a relic of this age (13th century) . . . .Dame is used of a hen; we now make a great difference between dame and dam." (T. L. K. Oliphant) "The dam runs lowing up end down, Looking the way her harmless young one went." (Shak) 2. A kind or crowned piece in the game of draughts. Origin: OE. Dame mistress, lady; also, mother, dam. See Dame. 1. A barrier to prevent the flow of a liquid; especially, a bank of earth, or wall of any kind, as of masonry or wood, built across a water course, to confine and keep back flowing water. 2. A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the front of the hearth of a blast furnace. Dam plate, an iron plate in front of the dam, to strengthen it. Origin: Akin to OLG, D, & Dan. Dam, G. & Sw. Damm, Icel. Dammr, and AS. Fordemman to stop up, Goth. Faordammjan. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Dam

dalo
dals
dalt
dalton
daltonian
daltonic
daltonide
daltonides
daltonism
daltonisms
daltonist
daltonists
daltons
dalts
dalyite
dam (current term)
dam1bonite
dam gene
dam methylase
dam up
damage
damage control
damage feasant
damageabilities
damageability
damageable
damaged
damaged goods
damager
damagers

Other Resources:

Search for Dam on Dictionary.com!Search for Dam on Thesaurus.com!Search for Dam on Google!Search for Dam on Wikipedia!