Mya arenaria

Clam Clam (kl[a^]m), n. [Cf. {Clamp}, {Clam}, v. t., {Clammy}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) A bivalve mollusk of many kinds, especially those that are edible; as, the long clam ({Mya arenaria}), the quahog or round clam ({Venus mercenaria}), the sea clam or hen clam ({Spisula solidissima}), and other species of the United States. The name is said to have been given originally to the {Tridacna gigas}, a huge East Indian bivalve. [1913 Webster]

You shall scarce find any bay or shallow shore, or cove of sand, where you may not take many clampes, or lobsters, or both, at your pleasure. --Capt. John Smith (1616). [1913 Webster]

Clams, or clamps, is a shellfish not much unlike a cockle; it lieth under the sand. --Wood (1634). [1913 Webster]

2. (Ship Carp.) Strong pinchers or forceps. [1913 Webster]

3. pl. (Mech.) A kind of vise, usually of wood. [1913 Webster]

{Blood clam}. See under {Blood}. [1913 Webster]