How to pronounce clamshell
Say it like KLAM-shel. Clamshell has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLAM).
- KLAM
- shel
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clamshell pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shelGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of clamshell
American and British speakers say clamshell in essentially the same way: /ˈklæmˌʃɛl/ in the US and /ˈklæmˌʃɛl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KLAM-shel.
What does clamshell mean?
- 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.
- A dredging bucket with hinges like the shell of a clam.
- To deform a die in a shape resembling the shell of a clam, as a result of uneven extrusion pressure.
- To dig out by means of a clamshell (dredging bucket).
- To compress or flatten underwater debris so as to avoid blocking a channel.
Where does clamshell come from?
From clam + shell.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying clamshell
How do you pronounce clamshell?
Say KLAM-shel. The American pronunciation is /ˈklæmˌʃɛl/. In British English it is /ˈklæmˌʃɛl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clamshell?
Clamshell has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLAM). Broken into parts: KLAM · shel.
Do Americans and Brits say clamshell the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈklæmˌʃɛl/ and the British form is /ˈklæmˌʃɛl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.