Definitions for the word "jam" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A kind of frock for children.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
See Jamb.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To press into a close or tight position; to crowd; to squeeze; to wedge in.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To crush or bruise; as, to jam a finger in the crack of a door.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A mass of people or objects crowded together; also, the pressure from a crowd; a crush; as, a jam in a street; a jam of logs in a river.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
An injury caused by jamming.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A preserve of fruit boiled with sugar and water; as, raspberry jam; currant jam; grape jam.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v.
(-mm-) 1 a (usu. Foll. By into, together, etc.) Squeeze, cram, or wedge into a space. B become wedged. 2 cause (machinery etc.) To become wedged or (of machinery etc.) Become wedged and unworkable. 3 a block (a passage, road, etc.) By crowding etc. B (foll. By in) obstruct the exit of (was jammed in). 4 (usu. Foll. By on) apply (brakes etc.) Forcefully or abruptly. 5 make (a radio transmission) unintelligible by interference. 6 colloq. (in jazz etc.) Improvise with other musicians. n. 1 squeeze, crush. 2 crowded mass (traffic jam). 3 colloq. Predicament. 4 stoppage (of a machine etc.) Due to jamming. 5 (in full jam session) colloq. (in jazz etc.) Improvised ensemble playing. [imitative]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
10. n.
1 conserve of boiled fruit and sugar. 2 colloq. Easy or pleasant thing (money for jam). jam tomorrow promise of future treats etc. That never materialize. [perhaps from *jam1]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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