OpenSynonym

dam

/dæm/

NOUN

1. A barrier that controls or blocks water

A structure built across a river, stream, or other watercourse to obstruct, control, store, or regulate the flow of water, often for flood prevention, irrigation, or hydroelectric power generation.

1.1. Water control and flood prevention structures

Used to describe engineered barriers constructed across rivers or streams to hold back water, regulate water levels, prevent flooding, or create artificial lakes and reservoirs.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The beavers constructed a sturdy dam across the flowing stream.
  • After heavy rains, the river surged against the aging dam.
  • Engineers inspected the dam to ensure its structural integrity.
  • The wildlife flourished in the protected area behind the dam.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A reservoir or body of stored water

A body of water accumulated and retained by a dam, or a reservoir used to store water for public supply, irrigation, or other purposes.

2.1. Artificial lakes and water storage

Used to refer to a reservoir or artificial pond formed by blocking a watercourse, providing a stored supply of water for communities, agriculture, and industrial activities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The reservoir formed by the dam provided essential water resources for the region.
  • The village depends on the dam for its drinking water supply.
  • The artificial lake behind the dam attracts visitors throughout the year.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A protective sheet used in dental procedures

A thin, flexible sheet of rubber or similar material used to isolate a tooth or group of teeth during dental treatment by preventing moisture and saliva from reaching the working area.

3.1. Dental isolation and restorative treatment

Used in dentistry to describe a rubber barrier placed around teeth to keep the treatment area dry and prevent contamination by saliva during procedures such as fillings and root canal treatments.

Synonyms

  • rubber dam
  • dental dam
  • dental isolation sheet

Examples

  • The dentist placed a dam around the tooth before beginning the root canal procedure.
  • Using a rubber dam helps keep the treatment area dry during dental work.

Related Words

  • dentistry
  • rubber sheet
  • tooth isolation
  • saliva control
  • root canal
  • dental treatment
  • restorative dentistry

NOUN

4. A female parent of an animal

The female parent of an animal, particularly a domesticated or breeding animal, considered in relation to its offspring or pedigree.

4.1. Animal breeding and parentage

Used in animal husbandry, veterinary records, and breeding terminology to identify the female parent of an offspring, especially in horses, cattle, dogs, and other pedigreed animals.

Synonyms

  • mother
  • female parent

Antonyms

Examples

  • The mare's dam was a champion racehorse with an impressive pedigree.
  • The breeder carefully examined the dam's health and lineage before selecting a mating partner.
  • The puppy inherited several desirable traits from its dam.

Related Words

NOUN

5. A crowned piece in the game of draughts

A playing piece in draughts or checkers that has been promoted after reaching the opposite end of the board and gains additional movement abilities.

5.1. Checkers and draughts gameplay

Used in traditional draughts terminology for a crowned playing piece that can move backward as well as forward according to the rules of the game.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • man
  • uncrowned piece

Examples

  • The player moved his dam across the board to capture the opponent's remaining pieces.
  • A man becomes a dam when it reaches the opposite side of the draughts board.

Related Words

  • checkers
  • draughts
  • game piece
  • crown
  • board game
  • promotion
  • checkerboard

VERB

6. Blocking or stopping the flow of water

To construct a barrier across a river, stream, or other watercourse to prevent or restrict the movement of water.

6.1. Constructing barriers across waterways

Used when building or placing a physical obstruction across a flowing body of water to retain it, redirect its course, or regulate its movement.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The engineers plan to dam the river to create a reservoir.
  • Beavers dam the stream using branches, mud, and stones.
  • The authorities decided to dam the waterway to prevent flooding downstream.

Related Words

INTERJECTION

7. An exclamation expressing anger or frustration

A mild euphemistic form of the expletive damn, used to express annoyance, disappointment, surprise, or frustration.

7.1. Mild profanity and emotional reaction

Used as an informal exclamation to express irritation, frustration, or disappointment, often as a softened alternative to the stronger expression damn.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Dam, I forgot to bring my keys!
  • Dam, that was a close call!

Related Words

  • exclamation
  • profanity
  • frustration
  • annoyance
  • irritation
  • disappointment
  • euphemism