ham

ham

¹

1. the part of the hindquarters of a pig or similar animal between the hock and the hip

2. Informal

a. the back of the leg above the knee

b. the space or area behind the knee

3. Needlework a cushion used for moulding curves

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ham

²

Theatre informal

a. an actor who overacts or relies on stock gestures or mannerisms

b. overacting or clumsy acting

c. (as modifier): a ham actor

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

ham

An amateur radio operator. The term's origin is uncertain, but most likely came from early, pre-radio days, when Morse-code operators were referred to as "ham-fisted" and called "hams." Anecdote places the origin of ham as the first initials of "Hertz," "Ampere" and "Marconi;" however, the term was used before Marconi's time. See amateur radio.

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