A Dam

1. A structure placed across a flowing body of water to stop the flow or part of the flow, generally for purposes such as retaining or diverting some of the water or retarding the release of accumulated water to avoidabrupt flooding
2. The water reservoir resulting from placing such structure.
3. (dentistry) A device to prevent a toothfrom getting wet during dental work, consisting of a rubber sheet held with a band.
4. (South Africa, Australia) A reservoir.
5. A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the front of the hearth of a blast furnace.
6. (India) An obsolete Indian copper coin, equal to a fortieth of a rupee.