cl -abbr

  1. centiliter
  2. claiming
  3. class
  4. clause
  5. close
  6. closet
  7. cloth

Cl -symbol

  1. chlorine

CL -abbr

  1. carload
  2. centerline
  3. civil law
  4. common law

clab·ber ['kla-bər] -n

  1. sour milk that has thickened or curdled

clab·bered ['kla-bərd] -adj

  1. having thickened or curdled

clach·an ['kla-k̲ən] -n

  1. hamlet

clack ['klak] -vb, n

  1. chatter, prattle
  2. to make an abrupt striking sound or series of sounds
  3. cackle, cluck
  4. to cause to make a clatter
  5. to produce with a chattering sound
  6. blab
  7. rapid continuous talk : chatter
  8. tongue
  9. an object (as a valve) that produces clapping or rattling noises usu. in regular rapid sequence
  10. a sound of clacking

Clac·to·ni·an [klak-'tō-nē-ən] -adj

  1. of or relating to a Lower Paleolithic culture usu. characterized by stone flakes with a half cone at the point of striking

clad ['klōth] -vt

(variant of clothe)

  1. to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : dress
  2. to provide with clothes
    • the cost of feeding and clothing a family
  3. to express or enhance by suitably significant language : couch
    • treaties clothed in stately phraseology
  4. to endow esp. with power or a quality
    • the nobility in which religion and history can clothe humanity -- D.R. Wallace

clad- -comb form

  1. slip : sprout
    • clado phyll

clad·dagh ['kla-də, 'klä-] -n

  1. an Irish design (as on a ring) of two hands holding a crowned heart that symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and love

clad·ding ['kla-diŋ] -n

  1. something that covers or overlays
  2. metal coating bonded to a metal core

clade ['klād] -n

  1. a group of biological taxa (as species) that includes all descendants of one common ancestor

cla·dis·tics [klə-'dis-tiks, kla-] -n pl but sing in constr, n, adj, adv

  1. a system of biological taxonomy that defines taxa uniquely by shared characteristics not found in ancestral groups and uses inferred evolutionary relationships to arrange taxa in a branching hierarchy such that all members of a given taxon have the same ancestors

cla·doc·er·an [klə-'dä-sə-rən] -n

  1. any of an order (Cladocera) of minute chiefly freshwater branchiopod crustaceans that includes the water fleas

clad·ode ['kla-,dōd] -n, adj

  1. cladophyll

clad·o·gen·e·sis [,kla-də-'je-nə-səs] -n, adj, adv

  1. evolutionary change characterized by treelike branching of taxa

clad·o·gram ['kla-də-,gram] -n

  1. a branching diagrammatic tree used in cladistic classification to illustrate phylogenetic relationships

clad·o·phyll ['kla-də-,fil] -n

  1. a flattened photosynthetic branch assuming the form of and closely resembling an ordinary foliage leaf

cla·fou·ti [,klä-fü-'tē] -n

  1. a dessert consisting of a layer of fruit (as cherries) topped with batter and baked

claim ['klām] -vt, adj

  1. to ask for esp. as a right
    • claim ed the inheritance
  2. to call for : require
    • this matter claim s our attention
  3. take
    • the accident claim ed her life
  4. to take as the rightful owner
  5. to assert in the face of possible contradiction : maintain
    • claim ed that he'd been cheated
  6. to claim to have
    • organization...which claim s 11,000...members -- Rolling Stone
  7. to assert to be rightfully one's own
    • claim ed responsibility for the attack
  8. a demand for something due or believed to be due
    • an insurance claim
  9. a right to something
  10. a title to a debt, privilege, or other thing in the possession of another
  11. an assertion open to challenge
    • a claim of authenticity
  12. something that is claimed
  13. a tract of land staked out

claim·ant ['klā-mənt] -n

  1. one that asserts a right or title
    • a claimant to an estate
  2. claimer

claim·er ['klā-mər] -n

  1. one that claims
  2. claiming race
  3. a horse running in a claiming race

claiming race -n

  1. a horse race in which each entry is offered for sale for a specified price that must be deposited before the race

clair·au·di·ence [kler-'ȯ-dē-ən(t)s, -'ä-] -n, adj, adv

  1. the power or faculty of hearing something not present to the ear but regarded as having objective reality

clair·voy·ance [kler-'vȯi-ən(t)s] -n

  1. the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses
  2. ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception : penetration

clair·voy·ant [-ənt] -adj, adv

  1. having clairvoyance : able to see beyond the range of ordinary perception
    • claims to be clairvoyant
  2. of or relating to clairvoyance
    • clairvoyant powers

clairvoyant -n

  1. one having the power of clairvoyance

clam ['klam] -n

  1. clamp, clasp
  2. any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud
  3. a freshwater mussel
  4. a stolid or closemouthed person
  5. clamshell
  6. dollar
  7. to gather clams esp. by digging

cla·mant ['klā-mənt, 'kla-] -adj, adv

  1. clamorous, blatant
  2. demanding attention : urgent

clam·bake ['klam-,bāk] -n

  1. an outdoor party
  2. a seashore outing where food is usu. cooked on heated rocks covered by seaweed
  3. the food served at a clambake
  4. a gathering characterized by noisy sociability
  5. a political rally

clam·ber ['klam-bər, 'kla-mər] -vi, n

  1. to climb awkwardly (as by scrambling)
    • clamber ed over the rocks

clam·my ['kla-mē] -adj, adv, n

  1. being damp, soft, sticky, and usu. cool
    • cold clammy hands
    • clammy air
  2. lacking normal human warmth
    • the clammy atmosphere of an institution

clam·or ['kla-mər] -n

  1. noisy shouting
  2. a loud continuous noise
  3. insistent public expression (as of support or protest)

clamor ['klam-riŋ, 'kla-mər-iŋ] -vb

  1. to make a din
  2. to become loudly insistent
    • clamor ed for his impeachment
  3. to utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
  4. to influence by means of clamor
  5. silence

clam·or·ous ['klam-rəs, 'kla-mər-əs] -adj, adv, n

  1. marked by confused din or outcry : tumultuous
  2. noisily insistent

clam·our ['kla-mər] -n

(variant of clamor)

  1. noisy shouting
  2. a loud continuous noise
  3. insistent public expression (as of support or protest)

clamp ['klamp] -n

  1. a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly
  2. any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something
  3. to fasten with or as if with a clamp
    • clamp two boards together
  4. to place by decree : impose often used with on
    • clamp ed on a curfew after the riots
  5. to hold tightly

clamp·down ['klamp-,dau̇n] -n

  1. the act or action of making regulations and restrictions more stringent
    • a clampdown on charge accounts, bank loans, and other inflationary influences -- Time

clamp down -vi

  1. to impose restrictions : crack down
    • the police are clamping down on speeders

clams casino -n pl but sing or pl in constr

  1. clams on the half shell usu. topped with green pepper and baked or broiled

clam·shell ['klam-,shel] -n

  1. the shell of a clam
  2. a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws
  3. an excavating machine having a clamshell
  4. either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other
  5. a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam

clam up -vi

  1. to become silent
    • clammed up and refused to talk

clam worm -n

  1. any of several large burrowing polychaete worms (as a nereid) often used as bait

clan ['klan] -n

  1. a Celtic group esp. in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor
  2. a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : family
  3. a group united by a common interest or common characteristics

clan·des·tine [klan-'des-tən also -,tīn or -,tēn or 'klan-dəs-] -adj, adv, n

  1. marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : surreptitious
    • a clandestine love affair

clang ['klaŋ] -vb

  1. to make a loud metallic ringing sound
    • anvils clang ed
  2. to go with a clang
  3. to utter the characteristic harsh cry of a bird
  4. to cause to clang
    • clang a bell
  5. a loud ringing metallic sound
    • the clang of a fire alarm
  6. a harsh cry of a bird (as a crane or goose)

clang·er ['klaŋ-ər] -n

  1. a conspicuous blunder often used in the phrase drop a clanger

clan·gor ['klaŋ-ər also -gər] -n, adj, adv

  1. a resounding clang or medley of clangs
    • the clangor of hammers

clangor -vi

  1. to make a clangor

clan·gour ['klaŋ-ər also -gər] -n, adj, adv

(variant of clangor)

  1. a resounding clang or medley of clangs
    • the clangor of hammers

clank ['klaŋk] -vb, adv

  1. to make a clank or series of clanks
    • the radiator hissed and clank ed
  2. to go with or as if with a clank
    • tanks clank ing through the streets
  3. to cause to clank
  4. a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

clan·nish ['kla-nish] -adj, adv, n

  1. of or relating to a clan
    • clannish traditions
  2. tending to associate only with a select group of similar background or status
    • a clannish community

clans·man ['klanz-mən] -n

  1. a member of a clan

clap ['klap] -vb

  1. to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
  2. to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usu. in applause
  3. applaud
  4. to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way
    • clapped his friend on the shoulder
  5. to place, put, or set esp. energetically
    • clap him into jail
    • since I first clapped eyes on it
  6. to improvise or build hastily
    • a hut clapped together from old plywood
  7. to produce a percussive sound
  8. slam
  9. to go abruptly or briskly
  10. applaud
  11. a device that makes a clapping noise
  12. a sudden stroke of fortune and esp. ill fortune
  13. a loud percussive noise
  14. a sudden crash of thunder
  15. a sudden blow
  16. a friendly slap
    • a clap on the back
  17. the sound of clapping hands
  18. applause
  19. gonorrhea often used with the

clap·board ['kla-bərd; 'kla(p)-,bȯrd] -n, vt

  1. a size of board for making staves and wainscoting
  2. a narrow board usu. thicker at one edge than the other used for siding
  3. a pair of hinged boards one of which has a slate with data identifying a piece of film and which are banged together in front of a motion-picture camera at the start of a take to facilitate editing called also clapper board

clappedout [,klapt-'au̇t] -adj

  1. worn-out
  2. tired

clap·per ['kla-pər] -n

  1. : one that claps: as
  2. the tongue of a bell
  3. a mechanical device that makes noise esp. by the banging of one part against another
  4. a person who applauds

clap·per·claw ['kla-pər-,klȯ] -vt

  1. to claw with the nails
  2. scold, revile

clapper rail -n

  1. a grayish-brown long-billed American rail ( Rallus longirostris) that inhabits coastal marshes

clap·trap ['klap-,trap] -n

  1. pretentious nonsense : trash

claptrap -adj

  1. characterized by or suggestive of claptrap
  2. of a cheap showy nature
    • claptrap sentiment

claque ['klak] -n

  1. a group hired to applaud at a performance
  2. a group of sycophants

cla·queur [kla-'kər] -n

  1. a member of a claque

clar·et ['kler-ət, 'kla-rət] -n, adj

  1. a red Bordeaux wine
  2. a similar wine produced elsewhere
  3. a dark purplish red

clar·i·fy ['kler-ə-,fī, 'kla-rə-] -vb, n

  1. to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usu. by freeing from suspended matter
  2. to free of confusion
    • needs time to clarify his thoughts
  3. to make understandable
    • clarify a subject
  4. to become clear

clar·i·net [,kler-ə-'net, ,kla-rə-; 'kler-ə-nət, 'kla-rə-] -n

  1. a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 3 octaves

clar·i·on ['kler-ē-ən, 'kla-rē-] -n

  1. a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones
  2. the sound of or as if of a clarion

clarion -adj

  1. brilliantly clear
    • her clarion top notes
  2. loud and clear
    • a clarion call to action

clar·i·ty ['kler-ə-tē, 'kla-rə-] -n

  1. the quality or state of being clear : lucidity

clark·ia ['klär-kē-ə] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Clarkia) of showy annual herbs of the evening-primrose family that are native to western No. America and southwestern So. America

Clark's nutcracker ['klärks-] -n

  1. a grayish-white bird ( Nucifraga columbiana) of western No. America with black-and-white wings and tail

cla·ro ['klär-(,)ō] -n

  1. a light-colored usu. mild cigar

clary sage ['kler-ē-] -n

  1. an aromatic mint ( Salvia sclarea) of southern Europe that is widely cultivated esp. as an ornamental called also clary

clash ['klash] -vb, n

  1. to make a clash
    • cymbals clash ed
  2. to come into conflict
    • where ignorant armies clash by night -- Matthew Arnold
  3. to be incompatible
    • the colors clash ed
  4. to cause to clash
  5. a noisy usu. metallic sound of collision
  6. a hostile encounter : skirmish
  7. a sharp conflict
    • a clash of opinions

clasp ['klasp] -n

  1. a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
  2. a device (as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded
  3. a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms
  4. to fasten with or as if with a clasp
    • a robe clasp ed with a brooch
  5. to enclose and hold with the arms
  6. embrace
  7. to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

clasp·er ['klas-pər] -n

  1. : a male copulatory structure:
  2. one of a pair of external anal processes of an insect that are used to grasp a female
  3. one of a pair of organs that are extensions of the pelvic fins of cartilaginous fishes

clasp knife -n

  1. pocketknife
  2. a large one-bladed folding knife having a catch to hold the blade open

class ['klas] -n

  1. a body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject
  2. the period during which such a body meets
  3. a course of instruction
  4. a body of students or alumni whose year of graduation is the same
  5. a group sharing the same economic or social status
    • the working class
  6. social rank
  7. high social rank
  8. high quality : elegance
    • a hotel with class
  9. : a group, set, or kind sharing common attributes: as
  10. a major category in biological taxonomy ranking above the order and below the phylum or division
  11. a collection of adjacent and discrete or continuous values of a random variable
  12. set
  13. a division or rating based on grade or quality
  14. the best of its kind
    • the class of the league
  15. a data type in object-oriented programming that consists of a group of objects with the same properties and behaviors and that is arranged in a hierarchy with other such data types
  16. classify

class act -n

  1. an example of outstanding quality or prestige

class action -n

  1. a legal action undertaken by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of themselves and all other persons having an identical interest in the alleged wrong

classconscious -adj, n

  1. actively aware of one's common status with others in a particular economic or social level of society
  2. believing in class struggle

clas·sic ['kla-sik] -adj

  1. serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
    • classic literary works
  2. traditional, enduring
    • classic designs
  3. characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year
    • a classic suit
  4. of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
  5. historically memorable
    • a classic battle
  6. noted because of special literary or historical associations
    • Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
  7. authentic, authoritative
  8. typical
    • a classic example of chicanery
    • a classic error
  9. of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and esp. Mayan culture about a.d.300900

classic -n

  1. a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
  2. a work of enduring excellence
  3. its author
  4. an authoritative source
  5. a typical or perfect example
  6. a traditional event
    • a football classic

clas·si·cal ['kla-si-kəl] -adj

  1. standard, classic
  2. of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and esp. to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals
    • classical civilization
  3. versed in the classics
    • a classical scholar
  4. of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation
  5. of, relating to, or being music in the educated European tradition that includes such forms as art song, chamber music, opera, and symphony as distinguished from folk or popular music or jazz
  6. authoritative, traditional
  7. of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times
    • classical Mendelian genetics
  8. not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory
    • classical physics
  9. conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech
  10. concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science
    • a classical curriculum

classical conditioning -n

  1. conditioning in which the conditioned stimulus (as the sound of a bell) is paired with and precedes the unconditioned stimulus (as the sight of food) until the conditioned stimulus alone is sufficient to elicit the response (as salivation in a dog)

clas·si·cal·i·ty [,kla-sə-'ka-lə-tē] -n

  1. the quality or state of being classic
  2. classical scholarship

clas·si·cal·ly ['kla-si-k(ə-)lē] -adv

  1. in a classic or classical manner
    • classically exact forms of the dance
    • classically trained
  2. in classic or traditional circumstances : typically
    • classically, the whole fish is stuffed
  3. as a classic example
    • classically bad writing

clas·si·cism ['kla-sə-,si-zəm] -n

  1. the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
  2. classical scholarship
  3. a classical idiom or expression
  4. adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid

clas·si·cist [-sist] -n, adj

  1. an advocate or follower of classicism
  2. a classical scholar

clas·si·cize ['kla-sə-,sīz] -vb

  1. to make classic or classical
  2. to follow classic style

clas·si·co ['kla-si-(,)kō] -adj

  1. produced in a delimited area of Italy known for its standards of quality
    • Chianti classico

clas·si·fi·ca·tion [,kla-sə-fə-'kā-shən] -n, adj

  1. the act or process of classifying
  2. systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria
  3. taxonomy
  4. class, category

clas·si·fied ['kla-sə-,fīd] -adj

  1. divided into classes or placed in a class
    • classified ads
  2. withheld from general circulation for reasons of national security
    • classified information

classified -n

  1. an advertisement grouped with others according to subject usu. used in pl.

clas·si·fi·er ['kla-sə-,fī(-ə)r] -n

  1. one that classifies
  2. a machine for sorting out the constituents of a substance (as ore)
  3. a word or morpheme used with numerals or with nouns designating countable or measurable objects

clas·si·fy ['kla-sə-,fī] -vt, adj

  1. to arrange in classes
    • classify ing books according to subject matter
  2. to assign (as a document) to a category

class interval -n

  1. class
  2. its numerical width

clas·sis ['kla-sis] -n

  1. a governing body in some Reformed churches (as in the former Reformed Church in the U.S.) corresponding to a presbytery
  2. the district governed by a classis

class·ism ['kla-,si-zəm] -n, adj

  1. prejudice or discrimination based on class

class·less ['klas-ləs] -adj, n

  1. belonging to no particular social class
  2. free from distinctions of social class
    • a classless society
  3. crass, boorish
    • classless behavior

class·mate [-,māt] -n

  1. a member of the same class in a school or college

class·room [-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n

  1. a place where classes meet

classy ['kla-sē] -adj, n

  1. : having or showing class: as
  2. elegant, stylish
    • a classy clientele
  3. having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior
    • a classy guy
    • a classy gesture
  4. admirably skillful and graceful
    • a classy outfielder

clast ['klast] -n

  1. a fragment of rock

clas·tic ['klas-tik] -adj, n

  1. made up of fragments of preexisting rocks
    • a clastic sediment

clath·rate ['kla-,thrāt] -adj, n

  1. relating to or being a compound formed by the inclusion of molecules of one kind in cavities of the crystal lattice of another

clat·ter ['kla-tər] -vb, n, adv

  1. to make a rattling sound
    • the dishes clatter ed on the shelf
  2. to talk noisily or rapidly
  3. to move or go with a clatter
    • clatter ed down the stairs
  4. to cause to clatter

clatter ['kla-tə-rē] -n, adj

  1. a rattling sound (as of hard bodies striking together)
    • the clatter of pots and pans
  2. commotion
    • the midday clatter of the business district
  3. noisy chatter

clau·di·ca·tion [,klȯ-də-'kā-shən] -n

  1. the quality or state of being lame : limping

claus·al ['klȯ-zəl] -adj

  1. relating to or of the nature of a clause

clause ['klȯz] -n

  1. a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex or compound sentence
  2. a separate section of a discourse or writing
  3. a distinct article in a formal document

claus·tral ['klȯs-trəl] -adj

  1. cloistral

claus·tro·pho·bia [,klȯs-trə-'fō-bē-ə] -n

  1. abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces

claus·tro·pho·bic [,klȯs-trə-'fō-bik] -adj, adv

  1. affected with or inclined to claustrophobia
  2. inducing or suggesting claustrophobia

claus·trum ['klȯs-trəm, 'klau̇s-] -n

  1. the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that consists of a thin lamina of gray matter separated from the lenticular nucleus by a layer of white matter

cla·vate ['klā-,vāt] -adj

  1. thickened near the distal end : club-shaped

clave ['klēv] -vi

(variant of cleave)

  1. to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
  2. to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
  3. to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
  4. to subject to chemical cleavage
    • a protein cleaved by an enzyme
  5. to split esp. along the grain
  6. to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting

cla·ver ['klā-vər] -vi, n

  1. prate, gossip

clav·i·chord ['kla-və-,kȯrd] -n

  1. an early keyboard instrument having strings struck by tangents attached directly to the key ends

clav·i·cle ['kla-vi-kəl] -n, adj

  1. a bone of the vertebrate pectoral girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum called also collarbone

cla·vier [klə-'vir; 'klā-vē-ər, 'kla-] -n, adj

  1. the keyboard of a musical instrument
  2. an early keyboard instrument

claw ['klȯ] -n, adj

  1. a sharp usu. slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
  2. any of various sharp curved processes esp. at the end of a limb (as of an insect)
  3. a limb ending in such a process
  4. one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)
  5. something that resembles a claw
  6. the forked end of a tool (as a hammer)
  7. to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws
  8. to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws

claw back ['klȯ-,bak] -vt, n

  1. to get back (as money) by strenuous or forceful means (as taxation)

clawfoot ['klȯ-,fu̇t] -n

  1. a foot (as on a bathtub or piece of furniture) in the shape of a claw

claw·ham·mer ['klȯ-,ha-mər] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a style of banjo playing using the thumb and one or more fingers picking or strumming in a downward direction

claw hammer -n

  1. a hammer with one end of the head forked for pulling out nails
  2. tailcoat

clay ['klā] -n, adj

  1. an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired, that is composed mainly of fine particles of hydrous aluminum silicates and other minerals, and that is used for brick, tile, and pottery
  2. soil composed chiefly of this material having particles less than a specified size
  3. earth, mud
  4. a substance that resembles clay in plasticity and is used for modeling
  5. the human body as distinguished from the spirit
  6. fundamental nature or character
    • the common clay
  7. clay court

clay·bank ['klā-,baŋk] -n

  1. a horse of yellowish color

clay court -n

  1. a tennis court with a clay surface or a synthetic surface that resembles clay

clay feet -n pl

  1. feet of clay

clay loam -n

  1. a loam containing from 20 to 30 percent clay

Clay·ma·tion ['klā-'mā-shən] -service mark

  1. used for animation that features images of clay figures

clay mineral -n

  1. any of a group of hydrous silicates of aluminum and sometimes other metals formed chiefly in weathering processes and occurring esp. in clay and shale

clay·more ['klā-,mȯr] -n

  1. a large 2-edged sword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders
  2. their basket-hilted broadsword

claymore mine -n

  1. a usu. electrically fired land mine containing steel fragments that are discharged in a predetermined direction

clay·pan [-,pan] -n

  1. hardpan consisting mainly of clay
  2. a shallow depression in which water collects after rain

clay pigeon -n

  1. a saucer-shaped target usu. made of baked clay or limestone and pitch and thrown from a trap in skeet and trapshooting

clay·ware ['klā-,wer] -n

  1. articles made of fired clay

cld -abbr

  1. called; cleared

clean ['klēn] -adj, n

  1. free from dirt or pollution
    • changed to clean clothes
    • clean solar energy
  2. free from contamination or disease
    • a clean wound
  3. free or relatively free from radioactivity
    • a clean atomic explosion
  4. unadulterated, pure
    • the clean thrill of one's first flight
  5. having no interior flaws visible
  6. free from growth that hinders tillage
    • clean farmland
  7. free from moral corruption or sinister connections of any kind
    • a candidate with a clean record
  8. free from violations
    • a clean driving record
  9. free from offensive treatment of sexual subjects and from the use of obscenity
    • a clean joke
  10. observing the rules : fair
    • a clean fight
  11. ceremonially or spiritually pure
    • and all who are clean may eat flesh -- Lev 7:19(RSV)
  12. thorough, complete
    • a clean break with the past
  13. deftly executed : skillful
    • clean ballet technique
  14. hit beyond the reach of an opponent
    • a clean single to center
  15. relatively free from error or blemish : clear
  16. legible
    • clean copy
  17. unencumbered
    • clean bill of sale
  18. characterized by clarity and precision : trim
    • a clean prose style
    • architecture with clean almost austere lines
  19. even, smooth
    • a clean edge
    • a sharp blow causing a clean break
  20. free from impedances to smooth flow (as of water or air)
    • a clean airplane
    • a ship with a clean bottom
  21. empty
    • the ship returned with a clean hold
  22. free from drug addiction
    • has been clean for six months
  23. having no contraband (as weapons or drugs) in one's possession
  24. habitually neat
  25. so as to clean
    • a new broom sweeps clean
  26. in a clean manner
    • play the game clean
  27. all the way : completely
    • the bullet went clean through his arm
  28. : to make clean: as
  29. to rid of dirt, impurities, or extraneous matter
  30. to rid of corruption
    • vowing to clean up city hall
  31. remove, eradicate usu. used with up or off
    • clean up that mess
  32. strip, empty
    • a tree clean ed of fruit
  33. to remove the entrails from
    • clean fish
  34. to deprive of money or possessions often used with out
    • they clean ed him out completely
  35. to undergo or perform a process of cleaning
    • clean up before dinner
  36. an act of cleaning dirt esp. from the surface of something

clean and jerk -n, vb

  1. a lift in weight lifting in which the weight is raised to shoulder height, held momentarily, and then quickly thrust overhead usu. with a lunge or a spring from the legs

cleancut ['klēn-'kət] -adj

  1. cut so that the surface or edge is smooth and even
  2. sharply defined
  3. of wholesome appearance

clean·er ['klē-nər] -n

  1. one whose work is cleaning
  2. dry cleaner
  3. a dry-cleaning shop usu. used in pl.
  4. a preparation for cleaning
  5. an implement or machine for cleaning

clean·hand·ed ['klēn-'han-dəd] -adj

  1. innocent of wrongdoing

cleanlimbed ['klēn-'limd] -adj

  1. well proportioned : trim
    • cleanlimbed youths

clean·ly ['klēn-lē] -adv

  1. in a clean manner
  2. careful to keep clean : fastidious
  3. habitually kept clean

clean room ['klēn-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n

  1. a room for the manufacture or assembly of objects (as precision parts) that is maintained at a high level of cleanliness by special means

cleanse ['klenz] -vb

  1. clean
  2. to rid of impurities by or as if by washing

cleans·er ['klen-zər] -n

  1. one that cleanses
  2. a preparation (as a scouring powder or a skin cream) used for cleaning

clean·up ['klēn-,əp] -n

  1. an act or instance of cleaning
  2. an exceptionally large profit : killing

cleanup -adj, adv

  1. being in the fourth position in the batting order of a baseball team
    • a cleanup hitter

clean up -vi

  1. to make a spectacular profit in a business enterprise or a killing in speculation or gambling

clear ['klir] -adj, n

  1. bright, luminous
  2. cloudless
  3. less than one-tenth covered
    • a clear sky
  4. free from mist, haze, or dust
    • a clear day
  5. untroubled, serene
    • a clear gaze
  6. : clean, pure: as
  7. free from blemishes
    • clear skin
  8. easily seen through : transparent
    • clear glass
  9. free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
  10. easily heard
    • a loud and clear sound
  11. easily visible : plain
    • a clear signal
  12. free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : unmistakable
    • a clear explanation
  13. capable of sharp discernment : keen
    • a clear thinker
  14. free from doubt : sure
    • not clear on how to proceed
  15. free from guile or guilt : innocent
    • a clear conscience
  16. : unhampered by restriction or limitation: as
  17. unencumbered by debts or charges
    • a clear estate
  18. net
    • a clear profit
  19. unqualified, absolute
    • a clear victory
  20. free from obstruction
    • clear passage
  21. emptied of contents or cargo
  22. free from entanglement or contact
    • staying clear of controversy
    • keep clear of the boundary
  23. bare, denuded
    • clear ground
  24. in a clear manner
    • to cry loud and clear
  25. all the way
    • drove clear across the state
  26. to make clear or translucent
  27. to free from pollution or cloudiness
  28. to free from accusation or blame : exonerate, vindicate
    • the opportunity to clear himself
  29. to give insight to : enlighten
  30. to make intelligible : explain
    • clear up the mystery
  31. : to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: as
  32. open
    • clear a path
  33. to remove unwanted growth or items from
    • clear the land of timber
  34. to rid or make a rasping noise as if ridding (the throat) of phlegm
  35. to erase stored or displayed data from (as a computer or calculator)
  36. to empty of occupants
    • clear the room
  37. disentangle
    • clear a fishing line
  38. to remove from an area or place
    • clear the dishes from the table
  39. transmit, dispatch
  40. to submit for approval
    • clear it with me first
  41. : authorize, approve
    • clear ed the article for publication
    : as
  42. to certify as trustworthy
    • clear a person for classified information
  43. to permit (an aircraft) to proceed usu. with a specified action
    • the plane was clear ed to land
  44. to free from obligation or encumbrance
  45. settle, discharge
    • clear an account
  46. to free (a ship or shipment) by payment of duties or harbor fees
  47. to pass through (customs)
  48. to gain without deduction : net
    • clear a profit
  49. to put through a clearinghouse
  50. to go over, under, or by without touching
    • the ball just clear ed the uprights
  51. to move through successfully
  52. pass
    • the bill clear ed the legislature
  53. to become clear
    • it clear ed up quickly after the rain
  54. to go away : vanish
    • the symptoms clear ed gradually
  55. sell
  56. to obtain permission to discharge cargo
  57. to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port
  58. to pass through a clearinghouse
  59. to go to an authority (as for approval) before becoming effective
  60. a clear space or part
  61. a high arcing shot over an opponent's head in badminton

clearair turbulence ['klir-'er-] -n

  1. sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent jarring or buffeting of aircraft

clear·ance ['klir-ən(t)s] -n

  1. : an act or process of clearing: as
  2. the removal of buildings from an area (as a city slum)
  3. the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse
  4. the papers showing that a ship has cleared
  5. the offsetting of checks and other claims among banks through a clearinghouse
  6. certification as clear of objection : authorization
    • security clearance
  7. a sale to clear out stock
  8. authorization for an aircraft to proceed esp. with a specified action
    • clearance to land
  9. the distance by which one object clears another or the clear space between them
  10. the volume of blood or plasma that can be freed of a specified constituent in a specified time by its excretion into the urine through the kidneys
    • a creatine clearance of 25 milliliters per minute
    called also renal clearance

clearcut ['klir-'kət] -adj

  1. sharply outlined : distinct
  2. free from ambiguity or uncertainty : unambiguous
    • a clearcut decision
  3. an area of forest which has been clear-cut
  4. clear-cutting

clearcut·ting [-,kə-tiŋ] -n, vb

  1. removal of all the trees in a stand of timber

cleareyed ['klir-,īd] -adj

  1. clear-sighted
    • a cleareyed assessment

clearfell·ing [-,fe-liŋ] -n, vb

  1. clear-cutting

clear·head·ed [-,he-dəd] -adj, adv, n

  1. having or showing a clear understanding : perceptive
    • clearheaded comments
  2. able to think clearly
    • stay calm and clearheaded

clear·ing ['klir-iŋ] -n

  1. the act or process of making or becoming clear
  2. a tract of land cleared of wood and brush
  3. the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments esp. between banks

clear·ing·house [-,hau̇s] -n

  1. an establishment maintained by banks for settling mutual claims and accounts
  2. a central agency for the collection, classification, and distribution esp. of information
  3. an informal channel for distributing information or assistance

clear·ly ['klir-lē] -adv

  1. in a clear manner
    • speaking clearly
  2. it is clear
    • clearly, a new approach is needed

clear off -vi

  1. to go away : depart

clear out -vi

  1. depart
  2. to drive out or away usu. forcibly

clearsight·ed ['klir-,sī-təd] -adj, adv, n

  1. having clear vision
  2. discerning
    • a clearsighted appraisal

clearstory ['klir-,stȯr-ē, -st(ə-)rē] -n

(variant of clerestory)

  1. an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
  2. gallery

clear·wing [-,wiŋ] -n

  1. a moth (as of the families Aegeriidae or Sphingidae) having the wings largely transparent and devoid of scales

cleat ['klēt] -n

  1. a wedge-shaped piece fastened to or projecting from something and serving as a support or check
  2. a wooden or metal fitting usu. with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast
  3. a strip fastened across something to give strength or hold in position
  4. a projecting piece (as on the bottom of a shoe) that furnishes a grip
  5. shoes equipped with cleats
  6. to secure to or by a cleat
  7. to provide with a cleat

cleav·able ['klē-və-bəl] -adj

  1. capable of being split

cleav·age ['klē-vij] -n

  1. the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting along definite planes
  2. the occurrence of such splitting
  3. a fragment (as of a diamond) obtained by splitting
  4. the action of cleaving : the state of being cleft
  5. the series of synchronized mitotic cell divisions of a fertilized egg that results in the formation of the blastomeres and changes the single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo
  6. one of these cell divisions
  7. the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules
  8. the depression between a woman's breasts esp. when made visible by a low-cut neckline

cleave ['klēv] -vi

  1. to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
  2. to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
  3. to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
  4. to subject to chemical cleavage
    • a protein cleaved by an enzyme
  5. to split esp. along the grain
  6. to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting

cleav·er ['klē-vər] -n

  1. one that cleaves
  2. a butcher's implement for cutting animal carcasses into joints or pieces
  3. a prehistoric stone tool having a sharp edge at one end

cleav·ers ['klē-vərz] -n pl but sing or pl in constr

  1. an annual bedstraw ( Galium aparine) having many stalked white flowers and stems covered with curved prickles
  2. any of several related plants

cleek ['klēk] -n

  1. a large hook (as for a pot over a fire)

clef ['klef] -n

  1. a sign placed at the beginning of a musical staff to determine the pitch of the notes

cleft ['kleft] -n

  1. a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : fissure
  2. a usu. V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances
    • the anal cleft of the human body
  3. partially split or divided
  4. divided about halfway to the midrib
    • a cleft leaf

cleft lip -n

  1. a birth defect characterized by one or more clefts in the upper lip resulting from failure of the embryonic parts of the lip to unite

cleft palate -n

  1. congenital fissure of the roof of the mouth

clei·do·ic [klī-'dō-ik] -adj

  1. enclosed in a relatively impervious shell which reduces free exchange with the environment

cleis·tog·a·mous [klī-'stä-gə-məs] -adj, adv, n

  1. characterized by or being small inconspicuous closed self-pollinating flowers additional to and often more fruitful than showier ones on the same plant
    • violets are cleistogamous

cle·ma·tis ['kle-mə-təs; kli-'ma-təs, -'mā-, -'mä-] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Clematis) of vines or herbs of the buttercup family often having three leaflets on each leaf and usu. white, red, pink, or purple flowers

clem·en·cy ['kle-mən(t)-sē] -n

  1. disposition to be merciful and esp. to moderate the severity of punishment due
  2. an act or instance of leniency
  3. pleasant mildness of weather

clem·ent ['kle-mənt] -adj, adv

  1. inclined to be merciful : lenient
    • a clement judge
  2. mild
    • clement weather for this time of year

clem·en·tine ['kle-mən-,tēn, -,tīn] -n

  1. a small nearly seedless citrus fruit that is prob. a hybrid between a tangerine and an orange

clench ['klench] -vt, n

  1. clinch
  2. to hold fast : clutch
    • clench ed the arms of the chair
  3. to set or close tightly
    • clench one's teeth
    • clench one's fists

clepe ['klep] -vt

  1. name, call

clep·sy·dra ['klep-sə-drə] -n

  1. water clock

clere·sto·ry ['klir-,stȯr-ē, -st(ə-)rē] -n

  1. an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
  2. gallery

cler·gy ['klər-jē] -n

  1. a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church
  2. the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion

cler·gy·man [-mən] -n

  1. a member of the clergy

cler·gy·per·son [-,pər-sᵊn] -n

  1. a member of the clergy

cler·gy·wom·an [-,wu̇-mən] -n

  1. a woman who is a member of the clergy

cler·ic ['kler-ik, 'kle-rik] -n

  1. a member of the clergy

cler·i·cal ['kler-i-kəl, 'kle-ri-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
  2. of or relating to a clerk

clerical -n

  1. a member of the clergy
  2. clericalist
  3. clerk
  4. clerical garments

clerical collar -n

  1. a narrow stiffly upright white collar worn buttoned at the back of the neck by members of the clergy

cler·i·cal·ism ['kler-i-kə-,li-zəm, 'kle-ri-] -n

  1. a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy

cler·i·cal·ist [-list] -n

  1. one who favors maintained or increased ecclesiastical power and influence

cler·i·hew ['kler-i-,hyü, 'kle-ri-] -n

  1. a light verse quatrain rhyming aabband usu. dealing with a person named in the initial rhyme

cler·i·sy ['kler-ə-sē, 'kle-ri-] -n

  1. intelligentsia

clerk ['klərk, Brit usu 'klärk] -n

  1. cleric
  2. scholar
  3. an official responsible (as to a government agency) for correspondence, records, and accounts and vested with specified powers or authority (as to issue writs as ordered by a court)
    • city clerk
  4. one employed to keep records or accounts or to perform general office work
  5. one who works at a sales or service counter
  6. to act or work as a clerk

clerk·ly ['klər-klē, Brit usu 'klär-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a clerk
    • clerkly duties
  2. scholarly

Cleve·land bay ['klēv-lənd-] -n

  1. any of a breed of large strong horses of English origin that are uniformly bay with black legs, mane, and tail

clev·er ['kle-vər] -adj, adv, n

  1. skillful or adroit in using the hands or body : nimble
    • clever fingers
  2. mentally quick and resourceful
    • a clever young lawyer
  3. marked by wit or ingenuity
    • a clever solution
    • a clever idea
  4. good
  5. easy to use or handle

clev·is ['kle-vəs] -n

  1. shackle

clew ['klü] -n

  1. a ball of thread, yarn, or cord
  2. clue
  3. a lower corner or only the after corner of a sail
  4. a metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail
  5. a combination of lines by which a hammock is suspended
  6. to roll into a ball
  7. clue
  8. to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the clews

cli·che [klē-'shā, 'klē-,, kli-'] -n, adj

  1. a trite phrase or expression
  2. the idea expressed by it
  3. a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
  4. something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace

cli·ched [-'shād] -adj

  1. marked by or abounding in cliches
  2. hackneyed
    • a cliched phrase

click ['klik] -vb, adj

  1. to strike, move, or produce with a click
    • click ed his heels together
  2. to select esp. in a computer interface by pressing a button on a control device (as a mouse)
  3. to make a click
  4. to fit or agree exactly
  5. to fit together : hit it off
    • they did not click as friends
  6. to function smoothly
  7. succeed
    • a movie that click s
  8. to select something by clicking often used with on
    • click on the icon
  9. a slight sharp noise
  10. a speech sound in some languages made by enclosing air between two stop articulations of the tongue, enlarging the enclosure to rarefy the air, and suddenly opening the enclosure
  11. detent
  12. an instance of clicking
    • a mouse click

click beetle -n

  1. any of a family (Elateridae) of beetles able to right themselves with a click when inverted by flexing the articulation between the prothorax and mesothorax

click·er ['kli-kər] -n

  1. remote control

click stop -n

  1. a turnable control device (as for a camera diaphragm opening) that engages with a definite click at specific settings

cli·ent ['klī-ənt] -n, adj

  1. one that is under the protection of another : dependent
  2. a person who engages the professional advice or services of another
    • a lawyer's client s
  3. customer
    • hotel client s
  4. a person served by or utilizing the services of a social agency
    • a welfare client
  5. a computer in a network that uses the services (as access to files or shared peripherals) provided by a server
  6. client state

cli·en·tele [,klī-ən-'tel, ,klē-ən- also ,klē-,än-] -n

  1. a body of clients
    • a shop that caters to an exclusive clientele

client state -n

  1. a country that is economically, politically, or militarily dependent on another country

cliff ['klif] -n, adj

  1. a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice

cliff dweller -n

  1. a member of a prehistoric American Indian people of the southwestern U.S. who built their homes on rock ledges or in the natural recesses of canyon walls and cliffs
  2. a member of any cliff-dwelling people
  3. a resident of a large usu. metropolitan apartment building

cliffhang ['klif-,haŋ] -vi

  1. to await the outcome of a suspenseful situation

cliffhang·er [-,haŋ-ər] -n, adj

  1. an adventure serial or melodrama
  2. one presented in installments each ending in suspense
  3. a contest whose outcome is in doubt up to the very end
  4. a suspenseful situation

cliff swallow -n

  1. a colonial swallow ( Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) of the New World with a pale buff rump and dark throat patch that builds mud nests resembling jugs esp. under eaves and on cliffs

cli·mac·ter·ic [klī-'mak-t(ə-)rik; ,klī-,mak-'ter-ik, -'tir-] -adj

  1. constituting or relating to a climacteric
  2. critical, crucial

climacteric -n

  1. a major turning point or critical stage
  2. menopause
  3. a period in the life of a male corresponding to female menopause and usu. occurring with less well-defined physiological and psychological changes
  4. the marked and sudden rise in the respiratory rate of fruit just prior to full ripening

cli·mac·tic [klī-'mak-tik, klə-] -adj, adv

  1. of, relating to, or constituting a climax
    • the film's climactic scene

cli·mate ['klī-mət] -n

  1. a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions
  2. the average course or condition of the weather at a place usu. over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation
  3. the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors
    • a climate -controlled office
  4. the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period : atmosphere
    • a climate of fear

cli·mat·ic [klī-'ma-tik, klə-] -adj, adv

  1. of or relating to climate
  2. resulting from or influenced by the climate rather than the soil

climatic climax -n

  1. the one of the ecological climaxes possible in a particular climatic area whose stability is directly due to the influence of climate

cli·ma·tol·o·gy [,klī-mə-'tä-lə-jē] -n, adj, adv

  1. the science that deals with climates and their phenomena

cli·max ['klī-,maks] -n, adj

  1. a figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness
  2. the highest point : culmination
    • the climax of a distinguished career
  3. the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action (as of a play)
  4. orgasm
  5. menopause
  6. a relatively stable ecological stage or community esp. of plants that is achieved through successful adaptation to an environment
  7. the final stage in ecological succession

climax -vt

  1. to bring to a climax
    • climax ed his boxing career with a knockout
  2. to come to a climax
    • a riot climax ing in the destruction of several houses

climb ['klīm] -vb, adj

  1. to go upward with gradual or continuous progress : rise, ascend
    • watching the smoke climb
  2. to increase gradually
    • prices are continuing to climb
  3. to slope upward
    • a climb ing path
  4. to go upward or raise oneself esp. by grasping or clutching with the hands
    • climb ed aboard the train
  5. to ascend in growth (as by twining)
  6. to go about or down usu. by grasping or holding with the hands
    • climb down the ladder
  7. to get into or out of clothing usu. with some haste or effort
    • the firefighters climb ed into their clothes
  8. to go upward on or along, to the top of, or over
    • climb a hill
  9. to draw or pull oneself up, over, or to the top of by using hands and feet
    • children climb ing the tree
  10. to grow up or over
    • ivy climb ing the wall
  11. a place where climbing is necessary to progress
  12. the act or an instance of climbing : rise, ascent

climb down ['klīm-,dau̇n] -vi, n

  1. back down

climb·er ['klī-mər] -n

  1. one that climbs or helps in climbing
  2. a vine or twining plant (as a rose or sweet pea) that readily grows up a support or over other plants
  3. one who attempts to gain a superior social or business position

climbing iron -n

  1. a steel framework with spikes attached that may be affixed to one's boots for climbing (as a pole or tree)

climbing wall -n

  1. a wall specially designed for climbing and often built to simulate a rocky surface

clime ['klīm] -n

  1. climate
    • traveled to warmer clime s

clin -abbr

  1. clinical

clinch ['klinch] -vb, adv

  1. clench
  2. to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail)
  3. to treat (as a screw, bolt, or rivet) in a similar way
  4. to fasten in this way
  5. to make final or irrefutable : settle
    • that clinch ed the argument
  6. to assure the winning of
    • scored a touchdown to clinch the game
  7. to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms
  8. to hold fast or firmly
  9. a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
  10. the clinched part of a nail, rivet, or bolt
  11. pun
  12. an act or instance of clinching in boxing
  13. embrace

clinch·er ['klin-chər] -n

  1. : one that clinches: as
  2. a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark
    • the expense was the clincher that persuaded us to give up the enterprise
  3. a tire with flanged beads fitting into the wheel rim

cline ['klīn] -n, adj, adv

  1. a gradient of morphological or physiological change in a group of related organisms usu. along a line of environmental or geographic transition

cling ['kliŋ] -vi, n, adj

  1. to hold together
  2. to adhere as if glued firmly
  3. to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
  4. to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence
    • he clung to his friends for support
  5. to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal
    • the odor clung to the room for hours
  6. an act or instance of clinging : adherence

cling·stone ['kliŋ-,stōn] -n

  1. any of various stone fruits (as some peaches or plums) with flesh that adheres strongly to the pit

clin·ic ['kli-nik] -n

  1. a class of medical instruction in which patients are examined and discussed
  2. a group meeting devoted to the analysis and solution of concrete problems or to the acquiring of specific skills or knowledge
    • writing clinic s
    • golf clinic s
  3. a facility (as of a hospital) for diagnosis and treatment of outpatients
  4. a group practice in which several physicians work cooperatively
  5. a facility that offers professional services or consultation usu. at discounted rates
    • a legal clinic
  6. an exemplary display or performance
    • put on a clinic in the tournament

clin·i·cal ['kli-ni-kəl] -adj, adv

  1. : of, relating to, or conducted in or as if in a clinic: as
  2. involving direct observation of the patient
  3. based on or characterized by observable and diagnosable symptoms
  4. analytical or coolly dispassionate

clinical thermometer -n

  1. a thermometer for measuring body temperature that has a constriction in the tube above the bulb preventing movement of the column of liquid downward once it has reached its maximum temperature so that it continues to indicate the maximum temperature until the liquid is shaken back down into the bulb

clinical trial -n

  1. a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects

cli·ni·cian [kli-'ni-shən] -n

  1. a person qualified in the clinical practice of medicine, psychiatry, or psychology as distinguished from one specializing in laboratory or research techniques or in theory
  2. a person who conducts a clinic

clin·i·co·path·o·log·ic [,kli-ni-(,)kō-,pa-thə-'lä-jik] -adj, adv

  1. relating to or concerned both with the signs and symptoms directly observable by the physician and with the results of laboratory examination

clink ['kliŋk] -vb

  1. to give out a slight sharp short metallic sound
  2. to cause to clink
  3. a clinking sound
  4. a prison cell
  5. jail, prison

clin·ker ['kliŋ-kər] -n

  1. a brick that has been burned too much in the kiln
  2. stony matter fused together : slag

clink·er ['kliŋ-kər] -n

  1. something first-rate
  2. a wrong note
  3. a serious mistake or error : boner
  4. an utter failure : flop
  5. something of poor quality

clink·erbuilt [-,bilt] -adj

  1. having the external planks or plates overlapping like the clapboards on a house

clink·etyclank ['kliŋ-kə-tē-'klaŋk] -n

  1. a repeated usu. rhythmic clanking sound
    • the clinketyclank of a loose tire chain

cli·nom·e·ter [klī-'nä-mə-tər] -n

  1. any of various instruments for measuring angles of elevation or inclination

clin·quant ['kliŋ-kənt, klaⁿ-'käⁿ] -adj

  1. glittering with gold or tinsel

clinquant -n

  1. tinsel

clin·to·nia [klin-'tō-nē-ə] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Clintonia) of herbs of the lily family with yellow, white, or purplish flowers

Clio ['klī-(,)ō, 'klē-] -n

  1. the Greek Muse of history
  2. a statuette awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in print and broadcast advertising

clio·met·rics [,klī-ə-'me-triks] -n pl but sing in constr, adj, n

  1. the application of methods developed in other fields (as economics, statistics, and data processing) to the study of history

clip ['klip] -vt

  1. encompass
  2. to hold in a tight grip : clutch
  3. to clasp, fasten, or secure with a clip
  4. any of various devices that grip, clasp, or hook
  5. a device to hold cartridges for charging the magazines of some rifles
  6. a magazine from which ammunition is fed into the chamber of a firearm
  7. a piece of jewelry held in position by a clip
  8. to cut or cut off with or as if with shears
    • clip a dog's hair
    • clip an hour off traveling time
  9. to cut off the distal or outer part of
  10. excise
  11. to cut items out of (as a newspaper)
  12. curtail, diminish
  13. to abbreviate in speech or writing
  14. hit, punch
  15. to strike in passing
    • the car skidded off the road and clipped a lamppost
  16. to illegally block (an opposing player) in football
  17. to take money from unfairly or dishonestly esp. by overcharging
    • the nightclub clipped the tourist for 200
  18. to clip something
  19. to travel or pass rapidly
  20. to clip an opposing player in football
  21. shears
  22. a 2-bladed instrument for cutting esp. the nails
  23. : something that is clipped: as
  24. the product of a single shearing (as of sheep)
  25. a crop of wool of a sheep, a flock, or a region
  26. a section of filmed, videotaped, or recorded material
  27. a clipping esp. from a newspaper
  28. an act of clipping
  29. a sharp blow
  30. rate
    • continues at a brisk clip
  31. a single instance or occasion : time
    • he charged 10 a clip
    often used in the phrase at a clip
    • trained 1000 workers at a clip

clip art -n

  1. ready-made usu. copyright-free illustrations sold in books or as part of a software package from which they may be cut and pasted or inserted as artwork

clip·board ['klip-,bȯrd] -n

  1. a small writing board with a clip at the top for holding papers
  2. a section of computer memory that temporarily stores data (as text or a graphics image) esp. to facilitate its movement or duplication

clipclop ['klip-,kläp] -n, vi

  1. the sound made by or as if by a horse walking on a hard surface

clip joint -n

  1. a place of public entertainment (as a nightclub) that makes a practice of defrauding patrons (as by overcharging)
  2. a business that makes a practice of overcharging

clipon ['klip-,ȯn, -,än] -adj, n

  1. attached with a clip
    • a clipon tie
    • clipon earrings

clip·per ['kli-pər] -n

  1. one that clips something
  2. an implement for clipping esp. hair, fingernails, or toenails usu. used in pl.
  3. one that moves swiftly
  4. a fast sailing ship
  5. one with long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall masts, and a large sail area

clip·ping ['kli-piŋ] -n

  1. something that is clipped off or out of something else
    • grass clipping s
  2. an item clipped from a publication

clip·sheet ['klip-,shēt] -n

  1. a sheet of newspaper material issued by an organization for clipping and reprinting

clique ['klēk, 'klik] -n, adj, adv

  1. a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons
  2. one held together by common interests, views, or purposes

cli·tel·lum [klī-'te-ləm] -n

  1. a thickened glandular section of the body wall of some annelids that secretes a viscid sac in which the eggs are deposited

clit·ic ['kli-tik] -n

  1. a word that is treated in pronunciation as forming a part of a neighboring word and that is often unaccented or contracted

clit·o·ri·dec·to·my [,kli-tə-ri-'dek-tə-mē] -n

  1. excision of all or part of the clitoris

cli·to·ris ['kli-tə-rəs, kli-'tȯr-əs] -n, adj

  1. a small erectile female organ located within the anterior junction of the labia minora that develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the penis and is responsive to sexual stimulation

cli·via ['klī-vē-ə, 'kli-] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Clivia) of perennial evergreen So. African herbs of the amaryllis family with fleshy roots and umbels of large funnel-shaped flowers

clk -abbr

  1. clerk

clo -abbr

  1. clothing

clo·a·ca [klō-'ā-kə] -n, adj

  1. sewer
  2. the common chamber into which the intestinal and urogenital tracts discharge esp. in monotreme mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and elasmobranch fishes
  3. a comparable chamber of an invertebrate
  4. cesspool

cloak ['klōk] -n

  1. a loose outer garment
  2. : something likened to an outer garment: as
  3. something that envelops or conceals
    • a cloak of secrecy
  4. a distinctive character or role
    • hung up his academic cloak...to become a stay-at-home father -- Charles Chamberlain
  5. to cover or hide with or as if with a cloak

cloakanddagger -adj, n

  1. dealing in or suggestive of melodramatic intrigue and action usu. involving secret agents and espionage
    • a cloakanddagger novel

cloak·room ['klōk-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n

  1. a room in which outdoor clothing may be placed during one's stay
  2. checkroom
  3. an anteroom of a legislative chamber where members may relax and confer with colleagues
  4. lavatory

clob·ber ['klä-bər] -n

  1. clothes

clobber [-b(ə-)riŋ] -vt

  1. to pound mercilessly
  2. to hit with force
    • clobber a home run
  3. to defeat overwhelmingly
  4. to have a strongly negative impact on
    • businesses clobber ed by the recession
  5. to criticize harshly

clo·chard [klō-'shär] -n

  1. vagrant, tramp

cloche ['klōsh] -n

  1. a transparent plant cover used outdoors esp. for protection against cold
  2. a woman's close-fitting hat usu. with deep rounded crown and narrow brim

clock ['kläk] -n

  1. a device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time commonly by means of hands moving on a dial
  2. any periodic system by which time is measured
  3. a registering device usu. with a dial
  4. odometer
  5. time clock
  6. a synchronizing device (as in a computer) that produces pulses at regular intervals
  7. biological clock
  8. to time with a stopwatch or by an electric timing device
  9. to be timed at
  10. to register on a mechanical recording device
    • wind velocities were clock ed at 80 miles per hour
  11. to hit hard
  12. attain, realize usu. used with up
    • just clock ed up a million...paperback sales -- Punch
  13. to travel (a distance) over time
    • clock s more than 15,000 miles a year on business
  14. put in
    • clock ing long hours at the office
  15. to have a specified duration or speed used with in
    • the movie clock ed in at just under 3 hours
  16. to have a specified measure or value used with in
    • the meal clock ed in at about 15
  17. to register on a time sheet or time clock : punch used with in, out, on, off
    • he clock ed in late
  18. an ornamental figure on the ankle or side of a stocking or sock

clock·like ['kläk-,līk] -adj

  1. unusually regular, undeviating, and precise
    • does his job with clocklike efficiency

clock radio -n

  1. a combination clock and radio device in which the clock can be set to turn on the radio at a designated time

clockwatch·er [-,wä-chər] -n

  1. a person (as a worker or student) who keeps close watch on the passage of time

clock·wise ['kläk-,wīz] -adv, adj

  1. in the direction in which the hands of a clock rotate as viewed from in front or as if standing on a clock face

clock·work [-,wərk] -n

  1. the inner workings of something
  2. the machinery (as springs and a train of gears) that run a clock
  3. a similar mechanism running a mechanical device (as a toy)
  4. the precision, regularity, or absence of variation associated with a clock or clockwork
    • a clockwork operation
    • the planning went like clockwork

clod ['kläd] -n, adj

  1. a lump or mass esp. of earth or clay
  2. soil, earth
  3. oaf, dolt

clod·hop·per ['kläd-,hä-pər] -n

  1. a clumsy and uncouth rustic
  2. a large heavy work shoe or boot

clod·hop·ping [-,hä-piŋ] -adj

  1. boorish, rude

clod·poll ['kläd-,pōl] -n

  1. blockhead

clo·fi·brate [klō-'fī-,brāt, -'fi-] -n

  1. a compound C 12H 15ClO 3used esp. to lower abnormally high concentrations of fats and cholesterol in the blood

clog ['kläg, 'klȯg] -n

  1. a weight attached esp. to an animal to hinder motion
  2. something that shackles or impedes : encumbrance
  3. a shoe, sandal, or overshoe having a thick typically wooden sole
  4. to impede with a clog : hinder
  5. to halt or retard the progress, operation, or growth of : encumber
    • restraints that have been clogging the market -- T. W. Arnold
  6. to fill beyond capacity : overload
    • cars clogged the main street
    often used with up
    • petty cases clogging up the courts
  7. to cause blockage in often used with up
    • arteries clogged up by cholesterol
  8. to become filled with extraneous matter often used with up
  9. to unite in a mass : clot
  10. to dance a clog dance

clog dance -n

  1. a dance in which the performer wears clogs and beats out a clattering rhythm on the floor

cloi·son·ne [,klȯi-zə-'nā, ,klwä-] -adj, n

  1. of, relating to, or being a style of enamel decoration in which the enamel is applied and fired in raised cells (as of soldered wires) on a usu. metal background

clois·ter ['klȯi-stər] -n

  1. a monastic establishment
  2. an area within a monastery or convent to which the religious are normally restricted
  3. monastic life
  4. a place or state of seclusion
  5. a covered passage on the side of a court usu. having one side walled and the other an open arcade or colonnade

cloister [-st(ə-)riŋ] -vt

  1. to seclude from the world in or as if in a cloister
    • a scientist who cloister s herself in a laboratory
  2. to surround with a cloister
    • cloister ed gardens

clois·tered ['klȯi-stərd] -adj

  1. being or living in or as if in a cloister
  2. providing shelter from contact with the outside world
    • the cloistered atmosphere of a small college

clois·tral ['klȯi-strəl] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or suggestive of a cloister

clois·tress ['klȯi-strəs] -n

  1. nun

clo·mi·phene ['klō-mə-,fēn] -n

  1. a synthetic drug C 26H 28ClNO used in the form of its citrate to induce ovulation

clo·mip·ra·mine [klō-'mi-prə-,mēn] -n

  1. a tricyclic antidepressant C 19H 23ClN 2used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder

clomp ['klämp, 'klȯmp, 'kləmp] -vi

  1. clump

clo·naz·e·pam [klō-'na-zə-,pam] -n

  1. a benzodiazepine C 15H 10ClN 30 3used esp. as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy

clone ['klōn] -n, adj, adv

  1. the aggregate of genetically identical cells or organisms asexually produced by a single progenitor cell or organism
  2. an individual grown from a single somatic cell or cell nucleus and genetically identical to it
  3. a group of replicas of all or part of a macromolecule and esp. DNA
    • clone s of identical recombinant DNA sequences
  4. one that appears to be a copy of an original form : duplicate
    • a clone of a personal computer
  5. to propagate a clone from
  6. to make a copy of
  7. to produce a clone

clo·ni·dine ['klä-nə-,dēn, 'klō-, -,dīn] -n

  1. an antihypertensive drug C 9H 9Cl 2N 3used esp. to treat essential hypertension, to prevent migraine headache, and to diminish opioid and nicotine withdrawal symptoms

clonk ['kläŋk, 'klȯŋk] -vb, n

  1. to make a dull hollow thumping sound
  2. to cause to clonk

clo·nus ['klō-nəs] -n, adj

  1. a rapid succession of alternating contractions and partial relaxations of a muscle occurring in some nervous diseases

cloot ['klüt] -n

  1. a cloven hoof
  2. clootie

Cloot·ie ['klü-tē] -n

  1. used as a name of the devil

clop ['kläp] -n, vi

  1. a sound made by or as if by a hoof or wooden shoe against the pavement

clopclop ['kläp-,kläp] -n, vi

  1. a sound of rhythmically repeated clops

clo·que [klō-'kā, 'klō-,] -n

  1. a fabric with an embossed design
  2. a fabric esp. of pique with small woven figures

close ['klōz] -vb, adj

  1. to move so as to bar passage through something
    • close the gate
  2. to block against entry or passage
    • close a street
  3. to deny access to
    • the city closed the beach
  4. screen, exclude
    • close a view
  5. to suspend or stop the operations of
    • close school
    often used with down
  6. enclose, contain
  7. to bring to an end or period
    • close an account
  8. to conclude discussion or negotiation about
    • the question is closed
  9. to consummate by performing something previously agreed
    • close a transfer of real estate title
  10. to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
  11. to bring or bind together the parts or edges of
    • a closed book
  12. to fill up (as an opening)
  13. to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous
    • close a circuit
  14. to reduce to nil
    • closed the distance to the lead racer
  15. to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening
    • the door closed quietly
  16. to cease operation
    • the factory closed down
    • the stores close at 9 p.m.
  17. to draw near
    • the ship was closing with the island
  18. to engage in a struggle at close quarters : grapple
    • close with the enemy
  19. to come together : meet
  20. to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
  21. to enter into or complete an agreement
    • close on a deal
  22. to come to an end or period
    • the services closed with a short prayer
  23. to reduce a gap
    • closed to within two points
  24. a coming or bringing to a conclusion
    • at the close of the party
  25. a conclusion or end in time or existence : cessation
    • the decade drew to a close
  26. the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
  27. the conclusion of a musical strain or period : cadence
  28. a hostile encounter
  29. the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot
  30. an enclosed area
  31. the precinct of a cathedral
  32. a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements
  33. a road closed at one end
  34. having no openings : closed
  35. confined or carefully guarded
    • close arrest
  36. high
  37. formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
  38. restricted to a privileged class
  39. secluded, secret
  40. secretive
    • she could tell us something if she would...but she was as close as wax -- A. Conan Doyle
  41. strict, rigorous
    • keep close watch
  42. hot and stuffy
    • a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
  43. not generous in giving or spending : tight
  44. having little space between items or units
    • a close weave
    • a close grain
  45. fitting tightly or exactly
    • a close fit
  46. very short or near to the surface
    • a close haircut
  47. being near in time, space, effect, or degree
    • at close range
    • close to my birthday
    • close to the speed of sound
  48. intimate, familiar
    • close friends
  49. very precise and attentive to details
    • a close reading
    • a close study
  50. marked by fidelity to an original
    • a close copy of an old master
  51. terse, compact
  52. decided or won by a narrow margin
    • a close baseball game
  53. difficult to obtain
    • money is close
  54. characterized by liberal use esp. of commas
  55. in a close position or manner

close call ['klōs-] -n

  1. a narrow escape

close corporation ['klōs-] -n

  1. a corporation whose stock is not publicly traded but held by a few persons (as those in management)

closecropped ['klōs-,kräpt] -adj

  1. clipped short
    • closecropped hair
  2. having the hair clipped short
    • a closecropped actor

closed ['klōzd] -adj

  1. not open
  2. enclosed
  3. composed entirely of closed tubes or vessels
    • a closed circulatory system
  4. forming a self-contained unit allowing no additions
    • closed association
  5. traced by a moving point that returns to an arbitrary starting point
    • closed curve
  6. so formed that every plane section is a closed curve
    • closed surface
  7. characterized by mathematical elements that when subjected to an operation produce only elements of the same set
    • the set of whole numbers is closed under addition and multiplication
  8. containing all the limit points of every possible subset
    • a closed interval contains its endpoints
  9. characterized by continuous return and reuse of the working substance
    • a closed cooling system
  10. having the same starting and finishing point
  11. confined to a few
    • closed membership
  12. excluding participation of outsiders or witnesses : conducted in strict secrecy
  13. rigidly excluding outside influence
    • a closed mind
  14. ending in a consonant
    • closed syllable

closed book -n

  1. something beyond comprehension : enigma

closedcap·tioned ['klōz(d)-'kap-shənd] -adj

  1. broadcast with captions that appear only on the screen of a receiver equipped with a decoder

closedcap·tion·ing [-'kap-sh(ə-)niŋ] -n

  1. a service that provides closed-captioned programming

closedcell [-'sel] -adj

  1. consisting of numerous small sealed cavities usu. filled with air
    • closedcell foam

closedcir·cuit [-'sər-kət] -adj

  1. used in, shown on, or being a television installation in which the signal is transmitted by wire to a limited number of receivers

closed corporation -n

  1. close corporation

closed couplet -n

  1. a rhymed couplet in which the sense is complete

closeddoor ['klōz(d)-'dȯr] -adj

  1. barring public and press
    • a closeddoor session of the investigating committee

closedend ['klōzd-'end] -adj

  1. having a fixed capitalization of shares that are traded on the market at prices determined by the operation of the law of supply and demand
    • a closedend investment company

closed loop -n

  1. an automatic control system in which an operation, process, or mechanism is regulated by feedback

close·down ['klōz-,dau̇n] -n

  1. an instance of suspending or stopping operations

closed shop -n

  1. an establishment in which the employer by agreement hires only union members in good standing
  2. an exclusive group or establishment

closed stance -n

  1. a stance (as in golf) in which the forward foot is closer to the line of play than the back foot

close·fist·ed ['klōs-,fis-təd] -adj

  1. stingy, tightfisted

closegrained [-,grānd] -adj

  1. having a compacted smooth texture
  2. having narrow annual rings or small wood elements

closehauled [-'hȯld] -adj

  1. having the sails set for sailing as nearly against the wind as the vessel will go

closein ['klōs-'in] -adj

  1. near a center of activity and esp. a city
    • closein suburbs
  2. occurring or designed for use within a narrowly limited area
    • closein fighting
    • closein weapons

close in ['klōz-] -vt

  1. to encircle closely and isolate
  2. to enshroud to such an extent as to preclude entrance or exit
    • the airport was closed in by the storm
  3. to gather in close all around with an oppressing or isolating effect
    • despair closed in on her
  4. to approach to close quarters esp. for an attack, raid, or arrest
    • the police closed in
  5. to grow dark
    • the short November day was already closing in -- Ellen Glasgow

closeknit ['klōs-'nit] -adj

  1. bound together by intimate social or cultural ties or by close economic or political ties
    • closeknit families

closely held -adj

  1. having most stock shares and voting rights in the hands of a few
    • a closely held business

close·mouthed ['klōz-,mau̇tht, also 'klōs-,mau̇thd] -adj

  1. cautious in speaking : uncommunicative
  2. secretive

close order -n

  1. an arrangement of troops in a typical marching formation

close·out ['klōz-,au̇t] -n

  1. a clearing out by a sale usu. at reduced prices of the whole remaining stock (as of a business)
  2. an article offered or bought at a closeout

close out ['klōz-] -vt

  1. exclude
  2. preclude
    • close out his chances
  3. to dispose of a whole stock of by sale
  4. to dispose of (a business)
  5. sell
    • closed out his share of the business
  6. to put (an account) in order for disposal or transfer
  7. to bring to an often rapid or abrupt conclusion
    • close out a career
  8. to discontinue operation of
  9. to sell out a business
  10. to buy or sell securities or commodities in order to terminate an account

close quarters ['klōs-] -n pl

  1. immediate contact or close range
    • fought at close quarters

clos·er ['klō-zər] -n

  1. one that closes
  2. a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing games

close shave ['klōs-, 'klōsh-] -n

  1. a narrow escape

close·stool ['klōs-,stül] -n

  1. a stool holding a chamber pot

clos·et ['klä-zət, 'klȯ-] -n

  1. an apartment or small room for privacy
  2. a monarch's or official's private chamber
  3. a cabinet or recess for esp. china, household utensils, or clothing
  4. a place of retreat or privacy
  5. water closet
  6. a state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity
    • came out of the closet

closet -vt

  1. to shut up in or as if in a closet
  2. to take into a closet for a secret interview
  3. closely private
  4. working in or suited to the closet as the place of seclusion or study : theoretical
  5. being so in private
    • a closet racist

closet drama -n

  1. drama suited primarily for reading rather than production

clos·et·ed ['klä-zə-təd, 'klȯ-] -adj

  1. closet
    • a closeted homosexual

closet queen -n

  1. one who secretly engages in homosexual activities while leading an ostensibly heterosexual life

closeup ['klōs-,əp] -n

  1. a photograph or movie shot taken at close range
  2. an intimate view or examination of something
  3. at close range

clos·ing ['klō-ziŋ] -n

  1. a concluding part (as of a speech)
  2. a closable gap (as in an article of clothing)
  3. a meeting of parties to a real-estate deal for formally transferring title

clos·trid·i·um [klä-'stri-dē-əm] -n, adj

  1. any of a genus ( Clostridium) of spore-forming mostly anaerobic soil or intestinal bacteria

clo·sure ['klō-zhər] -n

  1. means of enclosing : enclosure
  2. an act of closing : the condition of being closed
    • closure of the eyelids
    • business closure s
  3. something that closes
    • pocket with zipper closure
  4. cloture
  5. the property that a number system or a set has when it is mathematically closed under an operation
  6. a set that consists of a given set together with all the limit points of that set
  7. an often comforting or satisfying sense of finality
    • victims needing closure
  8. something (as a satisfying ending) that provides such a sense

clot ['klät] -n

  1. a portion of a substance adhering together in a thick nondescript mass (as of clay or gum)
  2. a roundish viscous lump formed by coagulation of a portion of liquid or by melting
  3. a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood
  4. blockhead
  5. cluster, group
    • a clot of spectators
  6. to become a clot : form clots
  7. to undergo a sequence of complex chemical and physical reactions that results in conversion of fluid blood into a coagulated mass : coagulate
  8. to cause to form into or as if into a clot
  9. to fill with clots
  10. clog
    • clotted streets

clotbust·er [-,bəs-tər] -n, adj

  1. a drug (as streptokinase) used to dissolve blood clots

cloth ['klȯth] -n

  1. a pliable material made usu. by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments
  2. a similar material (as of glass)
  3. a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose
  4. tablecloth
  5. a distinctive dress of a profession or calling
  6. the dress of the clergy
  7. clergy

cloth·bound [-,bau̇nd] -adj

  1. bound in stiff boards covered with cloth

clothe ['klōth] -vt

  1. to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : dress
  2. to provide with clothes
    • the cost of feeding and clothing a family
  3. to express or enhance by suitably significant language : couch
    • treaties clothed in stately phraseology
  4. to endow esp. with power or a quality
    • the nobility in which religion and history can clothe humanity -- D.R. Wallace

clothes ['klōz also 'klōthz] -n pl

  1. clothing
  2. bedclothes
  3. all the cloth articles of personal and household use that can be washed

clothes·horse [-,hȯrs] -n

  1. a frame on which to hang clothes
  2. a conspicuously dressy person

clothes·line [-,līn] -n

  1. a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry

clothesline -vt

  1. to knock down (as a football player) by catching by the neck with an outstretched arm

clothes moth -n

  1. any of several small yellowish or buff-colored moths (esp. Tinea pellionellaand Tineola bisselliellaof the family Tineidae) whose larvae eat wool, fur, or feathers

clothespeg ['klōz-,peg also 'klōthz-] -n

  1. clothespin

clothes·pin [-,pin] -n

  1. a forked piece of wood or plastic or a small spring clamp used for fastening clothes on a clothesline

clothes·press [-,pres] -n

  1. a receptacle for clothes

cloth·ier ['klōth-yər, 'klō-thē-ər] -n

  1. one who makes or sells clothing

cloth·ing ['klō-th] -n

  1. garments in general
  2. covering

cloth yard -n

  1. a yard esp. for measuring cloth
  2. a unit of 37 inches equal to the Scottish ell and used also as a length for arrows

clo·tri·ma·zole [klō-'trī-mə-,zōl, -,zȯl] -n

  1. an antifungal agent C 22H 17ClN 2

clotted cream -n

  1. a thick cream made chiefly in England by slowly heating whole milk on which the cream has been allowed to rise and then skimming the cooled cream from the top called also Devonshire cream

clotting factor -n

  1. any of several plasma components (as fibrinogen, prothrombin, and thromboplastin) that are involved in the clotting of blood

clo·ture ['klō-chər] -n, vt

  1. the closing or limitation of debate in a legislative body esp. by calling for a vote

cloud ['klau̇d] -n

  1. a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the earth) or moon
  2. : something resembling or suggesting a cloud: as
  3. a light filmy, puffy, or billowy mass seeming to float in the air
    • a cloud of blond hair
    • a ship under a cloud of sail
  4. a usu. visible mass of minute particles suspended in the air or a gas
  5. an aggregation of usu. obscuring matter esp. in interstellar space
  6. an aggregate of charged particles (as electrons)
  7. a great crowd or multitude : swarm
    • cloud s of mosquitoes
  8. something that has a dark, lowering, or threatening aspect
    • cloud s of war
    • a cloud of suspicion
  9. something that obscures or blemishes
    • a cloud of ambiguity
  10. a dark or opaque vein or spot (as in marble or a precious stone)
  11. to grow cloudy usu. used with over or up
    • cloud ed over before the storm
  12. to become troubled, apprehensive, or distressed in appearance
    • her face cloud ed with worry
  13. to become blurry, dubious, or ominous often used with over
    • the outlook is cloud ing over
  14. to billow up in the form of a cloud
  15. to envelop or hide with or as if with a cloud
    • smog cloud ed our view
  16. to make opaque esp. by condensation of moisture
    • steam cloud ed the windows
  17. to make murky esp. with smoke or mist
    • smoke cloud ed the sky
  18. to make unclear or confused
    • cloud the issue
  19. taint, sully
    • a cloud ed reputation
  20. to cast gloom over
    • cloud prospects for success

cloud·ber·ry ['klau̇d-,ber-ē, -,be-rē] -n

  1. a creeping herbaceous raspberry ( Rubus chamaemorus) of north temperate regions
  2. its pale amber-colored edible fruit

cloud·burst [-,bərst] -n

  1. a sudden copious rainfall
  2. a sudden outpouring : deluge
    • a cloudburst of anger

cloud chamber -n

  1. a vessel containing air saturated with water vapor whose sudden expansion reveals the passage of an ionizing particle by a trail of visible droplets

cloudcuck·ooland [,klau̇d-'kü-(,)kü-,land, -'ku̇-] -n

  1. a realm of fantasy or of whimsical or foolish behavior

cloud ear -n

  1. wood ear

cloud·ed leopard ['klau̇-dəd-] -n

  1. a medium-sized often arboreal cat ( Neofelis nebulosa) that occurs from Nepal to southeast China and Indonesia and is grayish to yellowish with darker irregular rings, ovals, and rosettes

cloud forest -n

  1. a wet tropical mountain forest at an altitude usu. between 3000 and 8000 feet (1000 and 2500 meters) that is characterized by a profusion of epiphytes and the presence of clouds even in the dry season

cloud·land ['klau̇d-,land] -n

  1. the region of the clouds
  2. the realm of visionary speculation or poetic imagination

cloud·less [-ləs] -adj, adv, n

  1. free from clouds : clear

cloud·let ['klau̇d-lət] -n

  1. a small cloud

cloud nine -n

  1. a feeling of well-being or elation usu. used with on
    • still on cloud nine weeks after winning the championship

cloud·scape ['klau̇d-,skāp] -n

  1. a view or pictorial representation of a cloud formation

cloud street -n

  1. a row of cumulus clouds

cloudy ['klau̇-dē] -adj, adv, n

  1. of, relating to, or resembling cloud
    • cloudy smoke
  2. darkened by gloom or anxiety
    • a cloudy mood
  3. overcast with clouds
    • cloudy weather
  4. having a cloudy sky
    • a cloudy day
  5. obscure in meaning
    • cloudy issues
  6. uncertain as to fact or outcome
    • a cloudy future
  7. dimmed or dulled as if by clouds
    • a cloudy mirror
  8. uneven in color or texture
  9. having visible material in suspension : murky
    • a cloudy liquid

clout ['klau̇t] -n

  1. a piece of cloth or leather : rag
  2. a blow esp. with the hand
  3. a hard hit in baseball
  4. a white cloth on a stake or frame used as a target in archery
  5. pull, influence
    • political clout
  6. to cover or patch with a clout
  7. to hit forcefully

clove ['klōv] -n

  1. one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove ['klēv] -vi

(variant of cleave)

  1. to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
  2. to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
  3. to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
  4. to subject to chemical cleavage
    • a protein cleaved by an enzyme
  5. to split esp. along the grain
  6. to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting

clove hitch ['klōv-] -n

  1. a knot securing a rope temporarily to an object (as a post or spar) and consisting of a turn around the object, over the standing part, around the object again, and under the last turn

cloven ['klēv] -vi

(variant of cleave)

  1. to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
  2. to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
  3. to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
  4. to subject to chemical cleavage
    • a protein cleaved by an enzyme
  5. to split esp. along the grain
  6. to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting

cloven foot ['klō-vən-,fu̇-təd] -n, adj

  1. cloven hoof

cloven hoof ['klō-vən-,hu̇ft, -,hüft, -,hu̇vd, -,hüvd] -n, adj

  1. a foot (as of a sheep) divided into two parts at its distal extremity
  2. the sign of devilish character

clove pink -n

  1. carnation

clo·ver ['klō-vər] -n

  1. any of a genus ( Trifolium) of low leguminous herbs having trifoliolate leaves and flowers in dense heads and including many that are valuable for forage and attractive to bees
  2. any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza,or Medicago) of the legume family

clo·ver·leaf [-,lēf] -adj

  1. resembling a clover leaf in shape

cloverleaf [-,lēfs] -n

  1. an interchange between two major highways that allows traffic to change from one to the other without requiring any left turns or crossings and that from above resembles a 4-leaf clover

Clo·vis ['klō-vəs] -adj

  1. of or relating to a widely distributed prehistoric culture of No. America characterized by leaf-shaped flint projectile points having fluted sides

clown ['klau̇n] -n

  1. farmer, countryman
  2. a rude ill-bred person : boor
  3. a fool, jester, or comedian in an entertainment (as a play)
  4. a grotesquely dressed comedy performer in a circus
  5. a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoon
  6. joker
  7. to act as or like a clown
    • always clown ing around

clown·ery ['klau̇-nə-rē] -n

  1. clownish behavior or an instance of clownishness : buffoonery

clown fish -n

  1. any of various small tropical fishes (genera Amphiprionand Premnas) of the Indian and Pacific oceans that are related to the damselfishes, are bright orange usu. with one or more vertical white stripes, and live symbiotically with sea anemones

clown·ish ['klau̇-nish] -adj, adv, n

  1. resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)

clox·a·cil·lin [,kläk-sə-'si-lən] -n

  1. a semisynthetic oral penicillin C 19H 17ClN 3NaO 5S effective esp. against staphylococci which secrete beta-lactamase

cloy ['klȯi] -vb

  1. to surfeit with an excess usu. of something orig. pleasing
  2. to cause surfeit

cloy·ing ['klȯi-iŋ, 'klȯiŋ] -adj, adv

  1. disgusting or distasteful by reason of excess
    • cloying sweetness
  2. excessively sweet or sentimental
    • a cloying romantic comedy

clo·za·pine ['klō-zə-,pēn] -n

  1. an antipsychotic drug C 18H 19ClN 4used in the treatment of schizophrenia

cloze ['klōz] -adj

  1. of, relating to, or being a test of reading comprehension that involves having the person being tested supply words which have been systematically deleted from a text

clr -abbr

  1. clear; clearance

CLU -abbr

  1. chartered life underwriter

club ['kləb] -n, adj

  1. a heavy usu. tapering staff esp. of wood wielded as a weapon
  2. a stick or bat used to hit a ball in any of various games
  3. something resembling a club
  4. a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a black clover
  5. the suit comprising cards marked with clubs
  6. an association of persons for some common object usu. jointly supported and meeting periodically
  7. a group identified by some common characteristic
    • nations in the nuclear club
  8. the meeting place of a club
    • lunch at the club
  9. an association of persons participating in a plan by which they agree to make regular payments or purchases in order to secure some advantage
  10. nightclub
  11. an athletic association or team
  12. club sandwich
  13. to beat or strike with or as if with a club
  14. to gather into a club-shaped mass
    • clubbed her hair
  15. to unite or combine for a common cause
  16. to contribute to a common fund
  17. to form a club : combine
  18. to pay a share of a common expense
  19. nightclub

club·ba·ble ['klə-bə-bəl] -adj, n

  1. sociable

clubbed ['kləbd] -adj

  1. shaped like a club
    • clubbed antennae

club·ber ['klə-bər] -n

  1. a member or patron of a club

club·by ['klə-bē] -adj, n

  1. : characteristic of a club or club members: as
  2. displaying friendliness esp. to other members of the same social group : sociable
  3. open only to qualified or approved persons : select, elite

club car -n

  1. a railroad passenger car with facilities for serving refreshments and drinks called also bar car lounge car

club chair -n

  1. a deep low thickly upholstered easy chair often with rather low back and heavy sides and arms

club cheese -n

  1. a process cheese made by grinding cheddar and other cheeses usu. with added condiments and seasoning

club·face ['kləb-,fās] -n

  1. the forward striking surface of a clubhead

club·foot ['kləb-,fu̇t] -n, adj

  1. a congenitally misshapen foot twisted out of position
  2. this deformity

club fungus -n

  1. any of various basidiomycetes (family Clavariaceae) with a simple or branched often club-shaped sporophore

club·head ['kləb-,hed] -n

  1. the part of a golf club that strikes the ball

club·house ['kləb-,hau̇s] -n

  1. a house occupied by a club or used for club activities
  2. locker rooms used by an athletic team
  3. a building at a golf course typically housing a locker room, pro shop, and restaurant

club·man ['kləb-mən, -,man] -n

  1. a usu. wealthy man given to club life

club moss -n

  1. any of an order (Lycopodiales) of primitive vascular plants (as ground pine) often with the sporangia borne in club-shaped strobili

club·root ['kləb-,rüt, -,ru̇t] -n

  1. a disease of cruciferous plants (as cabbage) caused by a slime mold ( Plasmodiophora brassicae) producing swellings or distortions of the root

club sandwich -n

  1. a sandwich of three slices of bread with two layers of meat (as turkey) and lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise

club soda -n

  1. soda water

club steak -n

  1. a small steak cut from the end of the short loin

cluck ['klək] -vb

  1. to make a cluck
  2. to make a clicking sound with the tongue
  3. to express interest or concern
    • critics cluck ed over the new developments
  4. to call with a cluck
  5. to express with interest or concern
  6. the characteristic sound made by a hen esp. in calling her chicks
  7. a stupid or naive person
    • a dumb cluck

clue ['klü] -n

  1. something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties
  2. a piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem
  3. idea, notion
    • had no clue what he meant
  4. to provide with a clue
  5. to give reliable information to
    • clue me in on how it happened

clue·less ['klü-ləs] -adj

  1. having or providing no clue
    • a clueless case for the police to solve
  2. completely or hopelessly bewildered, unaware, ignorant, or foolish
    • clueless about what they want

clum·ber spaniel ['kləm-bər-] -n

  1. any of a breed of large massive heavyset spaniels with a dense silky largely white coat

clump ['kləmp] -n, adj

  1. a group of things clustered together
    • a clump of bushes
  2. a compact mass
  3. a heavy tramping sound
  4. to walk or move clumsily and noisily
  5. to form clumps
  6. to arrange in or cause to form clumps

clum·sy ['kləm-zē] -adj, adv, n

  1. lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
    • clumsy fingers
  2. lacking tact or subtlety
    • a clumsy joke
  3. awkward or inefficient in use or construction : unwieldy
    • a clumsy contraption

clung ['kliŋ] -vi, n, adj

(variant of cling)

  1. to hold together
  2. to adhere as if glued firmly
  3. to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
  4. to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence
    • he clung to his friends for support
  5. to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal
    • the odor clung to the room for hours
  6. an act or instance of clinging : adherence

clunk ['kləŋk] -vb

  1. to make a clunk
  2. to hit something with a clunk
  3. to strike or hit with a clunk
  4. a blow or the sound of a blow : thump
  5. a dull or stupid person

clunk·er ['kləŋ-kər] -n

  1. an old or badly working piece of machinery
  2. a dilapidated automobile
  3. someone or something notably unsuccessful
    • told a joke that was a real clunker

clunky ['kləŋ-kē] -adj

  1. clumsy in style, form, or execution
    • a clunky thriller
    • clunky earrings

clu·pe·id ['klü-pē-əd] -n

  1. herring

clus·ter ['kləs-tər] -n, adj

  1. : a number of similar things that occur together: as
  2. two or more consecutive consonants or vowels in a segment of speech
  3. a group of buildings and esp. houses built close together on a sizable tract in order to preserve open spaces larger than the individual yard for common recreation
  4. an aggregation of stars or galaxies that appear close together in the sky and are gravitationally associated
  5. a larger than expected number of cases of disease (as leukemia) occurring in a particular locality, group of people, or period of time

cluster [-t(ə-)riŋ] -vb

  1. to collect into a cluster
    • cluster the tents together
  2. to furnish with clusters
  3. to grow, assemble, or occur in a cluster
    • they cluster ed around the fire

cluster analysis -n

  1. a statistical classification technique for discovering whether the individuals of a population fall into different groups by making quantitative comparisons of multiple characteristics

cluster bomb -n

  1. a canister of small individual bombs that is dropped from an aircraft

cluster headache -n

  1. a headache that is characterized by severe pain in the eye or temple and tends to recur in a series of attacks

clutch ['kləch] -vb

  1. to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usu. strongly, tightly, or suddenly
  2. clench
  3. to seek to grasp and hold
    • clutch ed at her hand
  4. to operate an automobile clutch
  5. the claws or a hand in the act of grasping or seizing firmly
  6. an often cruel or unrelenting control, power, or possession
    • the fell clutch of circumstance -- W. E. Henley
  7. the act of grasping, holding, or restraining
  8. a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a driven part (as an engine and a transmission) of a mechanism
  9. a lever (as a pedal) operating such a clutch
  10. a tight or critical situation : pinch
    • come through in the clutch
  11. clutch bag
  12. made or done in a crucial situation
    • a clutch hit
  13. successful in a crucial situation
    • a clutch pitcher
  14. a nest of eggs or a brood of chicks
  15. group, bunch

clutch bag -n

  1. a woman's small usu. strapless handbag

clut·ter ['klə-tər] -vb

  1. to run in disorder
  2. to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impede movement or reduce effectiveness
    • a room clutter ed with toys
    often used with up

clutter -n

  1. a crowded or confused mass or collection
  2. things that clutter a place
  3. interfering radar echoes caused by reflection from objects (as on the ground) other than the target
  4. disturbance, hubbub

Clyde ['klīd] -n

  1. clydesdale

Clydes·dale ['klīdz-,dāl] -n

  1. any of a breed of heavy draft horses orig. from Clydesdale, Scotland with long silky hair on the legs

clyp·e·us ['kli-pē-əs] -n

  1. a plate on the anterior median aspect of an insect's head

clys·ter ['klis-tər] -n

  1. enema

Cly·tem·nes·tra [,klī-təm-'nes-trə] -n

  1. the wife and murderess of Agamemnon