dams

Noun (1)

dam (plural dams)

1. A structure placed across a flowing body of water to stop the flow or part of the flow, generally for purposes such as retaining or diverting some of the water or retarding the release of accumulated water to avoid abrupt flooding.
   • A dam is often an essential source of water to farmers of hilly country.
2. The water reservoir resulting from placing such a structure.
   • Boats may only be used at places set aside for boating on the dam.
3. A device to prevent a tooth from getting wet during dental work, consisting of a rubber sheet held with a band.

   Synonyms:

   dental dam, oral dam

4. (Australia, South Africa) A reservoir.
5. A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the front of the hearth of a blast furnace.

Noun (2)

dam (plural dams)

1. Female parent, mother, generally regarding breeding of animals.
   • More dear […] than younglings to their dam.1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book I, Canto X”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC, stanza 52

See all 12 meanings of dam