A clamp is a device used to grip or hold an object firmly in place, typically by compressing it between two opposing surfaces. It can be made from various materials such as metal, plastic, or wood and comes in different shapes and sizes depending on its intended use. Clamps are commonly used in many industries including construction, manufacturing, and medicine for tasks like holding together pieces of wood while gluing them, securing pipes during installation, or immobilizing a body part during surgery.