dam Definition

dam¹
noun

1. A barrier built to contain water and prevent flooding.

Thesaurus: dike, ditch, wall, bank, embankment, gate, levee, barrier, blockage, hindrance, obstruction.
2. The water confined behind such a structure, often forming a lake or reservoir, used for irrigation, as a source of drinking water and for provision of hydroelectric power.

verb

dammed, damming
1. To hold back (water, etc) with a dam.

Thesaurus: obstruct, block, bar, barricade, confine, hold back, check, retard, impede, hinder, clog.

Etymology: 14c: probably Dutch.

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dam²
noun

1. Said of horses, cattle and sheep: a female parent.

Etymology: 14c in this sense; 13c, meaning ‘dame'.