verb

tamp

TAMP/tæmp/

To press material into a compact mass.

The worker tamps loose gravel into a compact, level surface.

Worker presses broad flat hand tamper down onto loose gravel to compact it, visible level compressed area beside loose stones, tool mechanically correct.

Etymology

Originally a mining term for packing dirt or clay into a hole containing explosives, tamp broadened to pressing material down firmly. It may come from tampion, “plug,” but that origin is uncertain.

In context

Johnny's Selected Seeds1:30

The sweeps bring the soil back over the sides of those pots. And then the press wheels at the back tamp them down.

The Paperpot Transplanter: An Introductory Demonstration

More examples

Tamp the coffee grounds evenly before brewing the espresso.
We tamped the gravel down before laying the paving stones.
He is tamping damp sand into the mold.

Forms

tamp · tamps · tamped · tamping

tamper noun — A tool used to pack material tightly.

Similar words

compact: Emphasizes making material denser, without specifying downward pressure or blows.
pack: Means fitting material tightly together, not necessarily pressing it down.
ram: Suggests driving material into place with greater force.