clutch

v. grasp tightly, seize

n. tight grip; mechanical device which transmits power from the engine to the gears (in a vehicle); group of chicks; nest with eggs; group of people that is closely packed together

A clutch is a mechanism for transmitting rotation, which can be engaged and disengaged. Clutches are useful in devices that have two rotating shafts. In these devices, one shaft is typically driven by a motor or pulley, and the other shaft drives another device. In a drill, for instance, one shaft is driven by a motor, and the other drives a drill chuck. The clutch connects the two shafts so that they can either be locked together and spin at the same speed, or be decoupled and spin at different speeds.
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Noun
1. the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold on the railing"
(synonym) clasp, clench, clutches, grasp, grip, hold
(hypernym) grasping, taking hold, seizing, prehension
(hyponym) chokehold, choke hold
(derivation) cling to, hold close, hold tight
2. a tense critical situation; "he is a good man in the clutch"
(hypernym) temporary state
(derivation) seize, get hold of
3. a number of birds hatched at the same time
(hypernym) brood
4. a collection of things or persons to be handled together
(synonym) batch
(hypernym) collection, aggregation, accumulation, assemblage
(hyponym) schmeer, schmear, shmear
5. a pedal that operates a clutch
(synonym) clutch pedal
(hypernym) pedal, treadle, foot pedal, foot lever
6. a coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism
(hypernym) coupling, coupler
(hyponym) freewheel
(part-holonym) transmission, transmission system
(part-meronym) clutch pedal
Verb
1. take hold of; grab; "The salesclerk quickly seized the money on the counter"; "She clutched her purse"; "The mother seized her child by the arm"; "Birds of prey often seize small mammals"
(synonym) seize, prehend
(hypernym) take, get hold of
(hyponym) nab
(derivation) clasp, clench, clutches, grasp, grip, hold
2. hold firmly, usually with one's hands; "She clutched my arm when she got scared"
(synonym) cling to, hold close, hold tight
(hypernym) hold, take hold
(hyponym) cuddle, snuggle, nestle, nest, nuzzle, draw close
(derivation) clasp, clench, clutches, grasp, grip, hold
3. affect; "Fear seized the prisoners"; "The patient was seized with unberable pains"; "He was seized with a dreadful disease"
(synonym) seize, get hold of
(hypernym) overwhelm, overpower, sweep over, whelm, overcome, overtake

n. clutch, mechanical device which transmits power from the engine to the gears (in a vehicle) (Mexico)

(v. i.)
To reach (at something) as if to grasp; to catch or snatch; -- often followed by at.
  

(n.)
To seize, clasp, or gripe with the hand, hands, or claws; -- often figuratively; as, to clutch power.
  

(n.)
To close tightly; to clinch.
  

(n.)
The nest complement of eggs of a bird.
  

(n.)
The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping firmly; -- often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches of an adversary.
  

(n.)
Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.
  

(n.)
A gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp.
  

(n.)
A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure.