cl -abbr
- centiliter
- claiming
- class
- clause
- close
- closet
- cloth
Cl -symbol
- chlorine
CL -abbr
- carload
- centerline
- civil law
- common law
clab·ber ['kla-bər] -n
- sour milk that has thickened or curdled
clab·bered ['kla-bərd] -adj
- having thickened or curdled
clach·an ['kla-k̲ən] -n
- hamlet
clack ['klak] -vb, n
- chatter, prattle
- to make an abrupt striking sound or series of sounds
- cackle, cluck
- to cause to make a clatter
- to produce with a chattering sound
- blab
- rapid continuous talk : chatter
- tongue
- an object (as a valve) that produces clapping or rattling noises usu. in regular rapid sequence
- a sound of clacking
Clac·to·ni·an [klak-'tō-nē-ən] -adj
- 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)
- to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : dress
- to provide with clothes
- the cost of feeding and clothing a family
- to express or enhance by suitably significant language : couch
- treaties clothed in stately phraseology
- to endow esp. with power or a quality
- the nobility in which religion and history can clothe humanity -- D.R. Wallace
clad- -comb form
- slip : sprout
clad·dagh ['kla-də, 'klä-] -n
- 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
- something that covers or overlays
- metal coating bonded to a metal core
clade ['klād] -n
- 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
- 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
- any of an order (Cladocera) of minute chiefly freshwater branchiopod crustaceans that includes the water fleas
clad·ode ['kla-,dōd] -n, adj
- cladophyll
clad·o·gen·e·sis [,kla-də-'je-nə-səs] -n, adj, adv
- evolutionary change characterized by treelike branching of taxa
clad·o·gram ['kla-də-,gram] -n
- a branching diagrammatic tree used in cladistic classification to illustrate phylogenetic relationships
clad·o·phyll ['kla-də-,fil] -n
- a flattened photosynthetic branch assuming the form of and closely resembling an ordinary foliage leaf
cla·fou·ti [,klä-fü-'tē] -n
- a dessert consisting of a layer of fruit (as cherries) topped with batter and baked
claim ['klām] -vt, adj
- to ask for esp. as a right
- to call for : require
- this matter claim s our attention
- take
- the accident claim ed her life
- to take as the rightful owner
- to assert in the face of possible contradiction : maintain
- claim ed that he'd been cheated
- to claim to have
- organization...which claim s 11,000...members -- Rolling Stone
- to assert to be rightfully one's own
- claim ed responsibility for the attack
- a demand for something due or believed to be due
- a right to something
- a title to a debt, privilege, or other thing in the possession of another
- an assertion open to challenge
- something that is claimed
- a tract of land staked out
claim·ant ['klā-mənt] -n
- one that asserts a right or title
- claimer
claim·er ['klā-mər] -n
- one that claims
- claiming race
- a horse running in a claiming race
claiming race -n
- 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
- 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
- the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses
- ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception : penetration
clair·voy·ant [-ənt] -adj, adv
- having clairvoyance : able to see beyond the range of ordinary perception
- of or relating to clairvoyance
clairvoyant -n
- one having the power of clairvoyance
clam ['klam] -n
- clamp, clasp
- any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud
- a freshwater mussel
- a stolid or closemouthed person
- clamshell
- dollar
- to gather clams esp. by digging
cla·mant ['klā-mənt, 'kla-] -adj, adv
- clamorous, blatant
- demanding attention : urgent
clam·bake ['klam-,bāk] -n
- an outdoor party
- a seashore outing where food is usu. cooked on heated rocks covered by seaweed
- the food served at a clambake
- a gathering characterized by noisy sociability
- a political rally
clam·ber ['klam-bər, 'kla-mər] -vi, n
- to climb awkwardly (as by scrambling)
- clamber ed over the rocks
clam·my ['kla-mē] -adj, adv, n
- being damp, soft, sticky, and usu. cool
- lacking normal human warmth
- the clammy atmosphere of an institution
clam·or ['kla-mər] -n
- noisy shouting
- a loud continuous noise
- insistent public expression (as of support or protest)
clamor ['klam-riŋ, 'kla-mər-iŋ] -vb
- to make a din
- to become loudly insistent
- clamor ed for his impeachment
- to utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
- to influence by means of clamor
- silence
clam·or·ous ['klam-rəs, 'kla-mər-əs] -adj, adv, n
- marked by confused din or outcry : tumultuous
- noisily insistent
clam·our ['kla-mər] -n
(variant of clamor)
- noisy shouting
- a loud continuous noise
- insistent public expression (as of support or protest)
clamp ['klamp] -n
- a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly
- any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something
- to fasten with or as if with a clamp
- clamp two boards together
- to place by decree : impose often used with on
- clamp ed on a curfew after the riots
- to hold tightly
clamp·down ['klamp-,dau̇n] -n
- 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
- to impose restrictions : crack down
- the police are clamping down on speeders
clams casino -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- clams on the half shell usu. topped with green pepper and baked or broiled
clam·shell ['klam-,shel] -n
- the shell of a clam
- a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws
- an excavating machine having a clamshell
- either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other
- a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam
clam up -vi
- to become silent
- clammed up and refused to talk
clam worm -n
- any of several large burrowing polychaete worms (as a nereid) often used as bait
clan ['klan] -n
- a Celtic group esp. in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor
- a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : family
- 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
- marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : surreptitious
- a clandestine love affair
clang ['klaŋ] -vb
- to make a loud metallic ringing sound
- to go with a clang
- to utter the characteristic harsh cry of a bird
- to cause to clang
- a loud ringing metallic sound
- the clang of a fire alarm
- a harsh cry of a bird (as a crane or goose)
clang·er ['klaŋ-ər] -n
- a conspicuous blunder often used in the phrase drop a clanger
clan·gor ['klaŋ-ər also -gər] -n, adj, adv
- a resounding clang or medley of clangs
clangor -vi
- to make a clangor
clan·gour ['klaŋ-ər also -gər] -n, adj, adv
(variant of clangor)
- a resounding clang or medley of clangs
clank ['klaŋk] -vb, adv
- to make a clank or series of clanks
- the radiator hissed and clank ed
- to go with or as if with a clank
- tanks clank ing through the streets
- to cause to clank
- a sharp brief metallic ringing sound
clan·nish ['kla-nish] -adj, adv, n
- of or relating to a clan
- tending to associate only with a select group of similar background or status
clans·man ['klanz-mən] -n
- a member of a clan
clap ['klap] -vb
- to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
- to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usu. in applause
- applaud
- to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way
- clapped his friend on the shoulder
- to place, put, or set esp. energetically
- since I first clapped eyes on it
- to improvise or build hastily
- a hut clapped together from old plywood
- to produce a percussive sound
- slam
- to go abruptly or briskly
- applaud
- a device that makes a clapping noise
- a sudden stroke of fortune and esp. ill fortune
- a loud percussive noise
- a sudden crash of thunder
- a sudden blow
- a friendly slap
- the sound of clapping hands
- applause
- gonorrhea often used with the
clap·board ['kla-bərd; 'kla(p)-,bȯrd] -n, vt
- a size of board for making staves and wainscoting
- a narrow board usu. thicker at one edge than the other used for siding
- 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
- worn-out
- tired
clap·per ['kla-pər] -n
- : one that claps: as
- the tongue of a bell
- a mechanical device that makes noise esp. by the banging of one part against another
- a person who applauds
clap·per·claw ['kla-pər-,klȯ] -vt
- to claw with the nails
- scold, revile
clapper rail -n
- a grayish-brown long-billed American rail ( Rallus longirostris) that inhabits coastal marshes
clap·trap ['klap-,trap] -n
- pretentious nonsense : trash
claptrap -adj
- characterized by or suggestive of claptrap
- of a cheap showy nature
claque ['klak] -n
- a group hired to applaud at a performance
- a group of sycophants
cla·queur [kla-'kər] -n
- a member of a claque
clar·et ['kler-ət, 'kla-rət] -n, adj
- a red Bordeaux wine
- a similar wine produced elsewhere
- a dark purplish red
clar·i·fy ['kler-ə-,fī, 'kla-rə-] -vb, n
- to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usu. by freeing from suspended matter
- to free of confusion
- needs time to clarify his thoughts
- to make understandable
- to become clear
clar·i·net [,kler-ə-'net, ,kla-rə-; 'kler-ə-nət, 'kla-rə-] -n
- 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
- a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones
- the sound of or as if of a clarion
clarion -adj
- brilliantly clear
- loud and clear
clar·i·ty ['kler-ə-tē, 'kla-rə-] -n
- the quality or state of being clear : lucidity
clark·ia ['klär-kē-ə] -n
- 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
- a grayish-white bird ( Nucifraga columbiana) of western No. America with black-and-white wings and tail
cla·ro ['klär-(,)ō] -n
- a light-colored usu. mild cigar
clary sage ['kler-ē-] -n
- an aromatic mint ( Salvia sclarea) of southern Europe that is widely cultivated esp. as an ornamental called also clary
clash ['klash] -vb, n
- to make a clash
- to come into conflict
- where ignorant armies clash by night -- Matthew Arnold
- to be incompatible
- to cause to clash
- a noisy usu. metallic sound of collision
- a hostile encounter : skirmish
- a sharp conflict
clasp ['klasp] -n
- a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
- 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
- a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms
- to fasten with or as if with a clasp
- a robe clasp ed with a brooch
- to enclose and hold with the arms
- embrace
- to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp
clasp·er ['klas-pər] -n
- : a male copulatory structure:
- one of a pair of external anal processes of an insect that are used to grasp a female
- one of a pair of organs that are extensions of the pelvic fins of cartilaginous fishes
clasp knife -n
- pocketknife
- a large one-bladed folding knife having a catch to hold the blade open
class ['klas] -n
- a body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject
- the period during which such a body meets
- a course of instruction
- a body of students or alumni whose year of graduation is the same
- a group sharing the same economic or social status
- social rank
- high social rank
- high quality : elegance
- : a group, set, or kind sharing common attributes: as
- a major category in biological taxonomy ranking above the order and below the phylum or division
- a collection of adjacent and discrete or continuous values of a random variable
- set
- a division or rating based on grade or quality
- the best of its kind
- 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
- classify
class act -n
- an example of outstanding quality or prestige
class action -n
- 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
- actively aware of one's common status with others in a particular economic or social level of society
- believing in class struggle
clas·sic ['kla-sik] -adj
- serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
- traditional, enduring
- characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year
- of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
- historically memorable
- noted because of special literary or historical associations
- Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
- authentic, authoritative
- typical
- a classic example of chicanery
- of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and esp. Mayan culture about a.d.300900
classic -n
- a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
- a work of enduring excellence
- its author
- an authoritative source
- a typical or perfect example
- a traditional event
clas·si·cal ['kla-si-kəl] -adj
- standard, classic
- of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and esp. to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals
- versed in the classics
- of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation
- 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
- authoritative, traditional
- of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times
- classical Mendelian genetics
- not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory
- conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech
- concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science
classical conditioning -n
- 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
- the quality or state of being classic
- classical scholarship
clas·si·cal·ly ['kla-si-k(ə-)lē] -adv
- in a classic or classical manner
- classically exact forms of the dance
- in classic or traditional circumstances : typically
- classically, the whole fish is stuffed
- as a classic example
clas·si·cism ['kla-sə-,si-zəm] -n
- the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
- classical scholarship
- a classical idiom or expression
- adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid
clas·si·cist [-sist] -n, adj
- an advocate or follower of classicism
- a classical scholar
clas·si·cize ['kla-sə-,sīz] -vb
- to make classic or classical
- to follow classic style
clas·si·co ['kla-si-(,)kō] -adj
- produced in a delimited area of Italy known for its standards of quality
clas·si·fi·ca·tion [,kla-sə-fə-'kā-shən] -n, adj
- the act or process of classifying
- systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria
- taxonomy
- class, category
clas·si·fied ['kla-sə-,fīd] -adj
- divided into classes or placed in a class
- withheld from general circulation for reasons of national security
classified -n
- an advertisement grouped with others according to subject usu. used in pl.
clas·si·fi·er ['kla-sə-,fī(-ə)r] -n
- one that classifies
- a machine for sorting out the constituents of a substance (as ore)
- a word or morpheme used with numerals or with nouns designating countable or measurable objects
clas·si·fy ['kla-sə-,fī] -vt, adj
- to arrange in classes
- classify ing books according to subject matter
- to assign (as a document) to a category
class interval -n
- class
- its numerical width
clas·sis ['kla-sis] -n
- a governing body in some Reformed churches (as in the former Reformed Church in the U.S.) corresponding to a presbytery
- the district governed by a classis
class·ism ['kla-,si-zəm] -n, adj
- prejudice or discrimination based on class
class·less ['klas-ləs] -adj, n
- belonging to no particular social class
- free from distinctions of social class
- crass, boorish
class·mate [-,māt] -n
- a member of the same class in a school or college
class·room [-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n
- a place where classes meet
classy ['kla-sē] -adj, n
- : having or showing class: as
- elegant, stylish
- having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior
- admirably skillful and graceful
clast ['klast] -n
- a fragment of rock
clas·tic ['klas-tik] -adj, n
- made up of fragments of preexisting rocks
clath·rate ['kla-,thrāt] -adj, n
- 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
- to make a rattling sound
- the dishes clatter ed on the shelf
- to talk noisily or rapidly
- to move or go with a clatter
- clatter ed down the stairs
- to cause to clatter
clatter ['kla-tə-rē] -n, adj
- a rattling sound (as of hard bodies striking together)
- the clatter of pots and pans
- commotion
- the midday clatter of the business district
- noisy chatter
clau·di·ca·tion [,klȯ-də-'kā-shən] -n
- the quality or state of being lame : limping
claus·al ['klȯ-zəl] -adj
- relating to or of the nature of a clause
clause ['klȯz] -n
- a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex or compound sentence
- a separate section of a discourse or writing
- a distinct article in a formal document
claus·tral ['klȯs-trəl] -adj
- cloistral
claus·tro·pho·bia [,klȯs-trə-'fō-bē-ə] -n
- abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
claus·tro·pho·bic [,klȯs-trə-'fō-bik] -adj, adv
- affected with or inclined to claustrophobia
- inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
claus·trum ['klȯs-trəm, 'klau̇s-] -n
- 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
- thickened near the distal end : club-shaped
clave ['klēv] -vi
(variant of cleave)
- to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
- to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
- to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
- to subject to chemical cleavage
- a protein cleaved by an enzyme
- to split esp. along the grain
- to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting
cla·ver ['klā-vər] -vi, n
- prate, gossip
clav·i·chord ['kla-və-,kȯrd] -n
- an early keyboard instrument having strings struck by tangents attached directly to the key ends
clav·i·cle ['kla-vi-kəl] -n, adj
- 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
- the keyboard of a musical instrument
- an early keyboard instrument
claw ['klȯ] -n, adj
- a sharp usu. slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
- any of various sharp curved processes esp. at the end of a limb (as of an insect)
- a limb ending in such a process
- one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)
- something that resembles a claw
- the forked end of a tool (as a hammer)
- to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws
- to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws
claw back ['klȯ-,bak] -vt, n
- to get back (as money) by strenuous or forceful means (as taxation)
clawfoot ['klȯ-,fu̇t] -n
- a foot (as on a bathtub or piece of furniture) in the shape of a claw
claw·ham·mer ['klȯ-,ha-mər] -adj
- 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
- a hammer with one end of the head forked for pulling out nails
- tailcoat
clay ['klā] -n, adj
- 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
- soil composed chiefly of this material having particles less than a specified size
- earth, mud
- a substance that resembles clay in plasticity and is used for modeling
- the human body as distinguished from the spirit
- fundamental nature or character
- clay court
clay·bank ['klā-,baŋk] -n
- a horse of yellowish color
clay court -n
- a tennis court with a clay surface or a synthetic surface that resembles clay
clay feet -n pl
- feet of clay
clay loam -n
- a loam containing from 20 to 30 percent clay
Clay·ma·tion ['klā-'mā-shən] -service mark
- used for animation that features images of clay figures
clay mineral -n
- 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
- a large 2-edged sword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders
- their basket-hilted broadsword
claymore mine -n
- a usu. electrically fired land mine containing steel fragments that are discharged in a predetermined direction
clay·pan [-,pan] -n
- hardpan consisting mainly of clay
- a shallow depression in which water collects after rain
clay pigeon -n
- 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
- articles made of fired clay
cld -abbr
- called; cleared
clean ['klēn] -adj, n
- free from dirt or pollution
- free from contamination or disease
- free or relatively free from radioactivity
- unadulterated, pure
- the clean thrill of one's first flight
- having no interior flaws visible
- free from growth that hinders tillage
- free from moral corruption or sinister connections of any kind
- a candidate with a clean record
- free from violations
- free from offensive treatment of sexual subjects and from the use of obscenity
- observing the rules : fair
- ceremonially or spiritually pure
- and all who are clean may eat flesh -- Lev 7:19(RSV)
- thorough, complete
- a clean break with the past
- deftly executed : skillful
- hit beyond the reach of an opponent
- relatively free from error or blemish : clear
- legible
- unencumbered
- characterized by clarity and precision : trim
- architecture with clean almost austere lines
- even, smooth
- a sharp blow causing a clean break
- free from impedances to smooth flow (as of water or air)
- a ship with a clean bottom
- empty
- the ship returned with a clean hold
- free from drug addiction
- has been clean for six months
- having no contraband (as weapons or drugs) in one's possession
- habitually neat
- so as to clean
- in a clean manner
- all the way : completely
- the bullet went clean through his arm
- : to make clean: as
- to rid of dirt, impurities, or extraneous matter
- to rid of corruption
- vowing to clean up city hall
- remove, eradicate usu. used with up or off
- strip, empty
- to remove the entrails from
- to deprive of money or possessions often used with out
- they clean ed him out completely
- to undergo or perform a process of cleaning
- an act of cleaning dirt esp. from the surface of something
clean and jerk -n, vb
- 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
- cut so that the surface or edge is smooth and even
- sharply defined
- of wholesome appearance
clean·er ['klē-nər] -n
- one whose work is cleaning
- dry cleaner
- a dry-cleaning shop usu. used in pl.
- a preparation for cleaning
- an implement or machine for cleaning
clean·hand·ed ['klēn-'han-dəd] -adj
- innocent of wrongdoing
cleanlimbed ['klēn-'limd] -adj
- well proportioned : trim
clean·ly ['klēn-lē] -adv
- in a clean manner
- careful to keep clean : fastidious
- habitually kept clean
clean room ['klēn-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n
- 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
- clean
- to rid of impurities by or as if by washing
cleans·er ['klen-zər] -n
- one that cleanses
- a preparation (as a scouring powder or a skin cream) used for cleaning
clean·up ['klēn-,əp] -n
- an act or instance of cleaning
- an exceptionally large profit : killing
cleanup -adj, adv
- being in the fourth position in the batting order of a baseball team
clean up -vi
- to make a spectacular profit in a business enterprise or a killing in speculation or gambling
clear ['klir] -adj, n
- bright, luminous
- cloudless
- less than one-tenth covered
- free from mist, haze, or dust
- untroubled, serene
- : clean, pure: as
- free from blemishes
- easily seen through : transparent
- free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
- easily heard
- easily visible : plain
- free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : unmistakable
- capable of sharp discernment : keen
- free from doubt : sure
- not clear on how to proceed
- free from guile or guilt : innocent
- : unhampered by restriction or limitation: as
- unencumbered by debts or charges
- net
- unqualified, absolute
- free from obstruction
- emptied of contents or cargo
- free from entanglement or contact
- staying clear of controversy
- keep clear of the boundary
- bare, denuded
- in a clear manner
- all the way
- drove clear across the state
- to make clear or translucent
- to free from pollution or cloudiness
- to free from accusation or blame : exonerate, vindicate
- the opportunity to clear himself
- to give insight to : enlighten
- to make intelligible : explain
- : to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: as
- open
- to remove unwanted growth or items from
- to rid or make a rasping noise as if ridding (the throat) of phlegm
- to erase stored or displayed data from (as a computer or calculator)
- to empty of occupants
- disentangle
- to remove from an area or place
- clear the dishes from the table
- transmit, dispatch
- to submit for approval
- : authorize, approve
- clear ed the article for publication
: as - to certify as trustworthy
- clear a person for classified information
- to permit (an aircraft) to proceed usu. with a specified action
- the plane was clear ed to land
- to free from obligation or encumbrance
- settle, discharge
- to free (a ship or shipment) by payment of duties or harbor fees
- to pass through (customs)
- to gain without deduction : net
- to put through a clearinghouse
- to go over, under, or by without touching
- the ball just clear ed the uprights
- to move through successfully
- pass
- the bill clear ed the legislature
- to become clear
- it clear ed up quickly after the rain
- to go away : vanish
- the symptoms clear ed gradually
- sell
- to obtain permission to discharge cargo
- to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port
- to pass through a clearinghouse
- to go to an authority (as for approval) before becoming effective
- a clear space or part
- a high arcing shot over an opponent's head in badminton
clearair turbulence ['klir-'er-] -n
- sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent jarring or buffeting of aircraft
clear·ance ['klir-ən(t)s] -n
- : an act or process of clearing: as
- the removal of buildings from an area (as a city slum)
- the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse
- the papers showing that a ship has cleared
- the offsetting of checks and other claims among banks through a clearinghouse
- certification as clear of objection : authorization
- a sale to clear out stock
- authorization for an aircraft to proceed esp. with a specified action
- the distance by which one object clears another or the clear space between them
- 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
- sharply outlined : distinct
- free from ambiguity or uncertainty : unambiguous
- an area of forest which has been clear-cut
- clear-cutting
clearcut·ting [-,kə-tiŋ] -n, vb
- removal of all the trees in a stand of timber
cleareyed ['klir-,īd] -adj
- clear-sighted
clearfell·ing [-,fe-liŋ] -n, vb
- clear-cutting
clear·head·ed [-,he-dəd] -adj, adv, n
- having or showing a clear understanding : perceptive
- able to think clearly
- stay calm and clearheaded
clear·ing ['klir-iŋ] -n
- the act or process of making or becoming clear
- a tract of land cleared of wood and brush
- the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments esp. between banks
clear·ing·house [-,hau̇s] -n
- an establishment maintained by banks for settling mutual claims and accounts
- a central agency for the collection, classification, and distribution esp. of information
- an informal channel for distributing information or assistance
clear·ly ['klir-lē] -adv
- in a clear manner
- it is clear
- clearly, a new approach is needed
clear off -vi
- to go away : depart
clear out -vi
- depart
- to drive out or away usu. forcibly
clearsight·ed ['klir-,sī-təd] -adj, adv, n
- having clear vision
- discerning
clearstory ['klir-,stȯr-ē, -st(ə-)rē] -n
(variant of clerestory)
- an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
- gallery
clear·wing [-,wiŋ] -n
- a moth (as of the families Aegeriidae or Sphingidae) having the wings largely transparent and devoid of scales
cleat ['klēt] -n
- a wedge-shaped piece fastened to or projecting from something and serving as a support or check
- a wooden or metal fitting usu. with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast
- a strip fastened across something to give strength or hold in position
- a projecting piece (as on the bottom of a shoe) that furnishes a grip
- shoes equipped with cleats
- to secure to or by a cleat
- to provide with a cleat
cleav·able ['klē-və-bəl] -adj
- capable of being split
cleav·age ['klē-vij] -n
- the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting along definite planes
- the occurrence of such splitting
- a fragment (as of a diamond) obtained by splitting
- the action of cleaving : the state of being cleft
- 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
- one of these cell divisions
- the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules
- the depression between a woman's breasts esp. when made visible by a low-cut neckline
cleave ['klēv] -vi
- to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
- to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
- to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
- to subject to chemical cleavage
- a protein cleaved by an enzyme
- to split esp. along the grain
- to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting
cleav·er ['klē-vər] -n
- one that cleaves
- a butcher's implement for cutting animal carcasses into joints or pieces
- a prehistoric stone tool having a sharp edge at one end
cleav·ers ['klē-vərz] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- an annual bedstraw ( Galium aparine) having many stalked white flowers and stems covered with curved prickles
- any of several related plants
cleek ['klēk] -n
- a large hook (as for a pot over a fire)
clef ['klef] -n
- a sign placed at the beginning of a musical staff to determine the pitch of the notes
cleft ['kleft] -n
- a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : fissure
- a usu. V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances
- the anal cleft of the human body
- partially split or divided
- divided about halfway to the midrib
cleft lip -n
- 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
- congenital fissure of the roof of the mouth
clei·do·ic [klī-'dō-ik] -adj
- enclosed in a relatively impervious shell which reduces free exchange with the environment
cleis·tog·a·mous [klī-'stä-gə-məs] -adj, adv, n
- 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
- 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
- disposition to be merciful and esp. to moderate the severity of punishment due
- an act or instance of leniency
- pleasant mildness of weather
clem·ent ['kle-mənt] -adj, adv
- inclined to be merciful : lenient
- mild
- clement weather for this time of year
clem·en·tine ['kle-mən-,tēn, -,tīn] -n
- a small nearly seedless citrus fruit that is prob. a hybrid between a tangerine and an orange
clench ['klench] -vt, n
- clinch
- to hold fast : clutch
- clench ed the arms of the chair
- to set or close tightly
clepe ['klep] -vt
- name, call
clep·sy·dra ['klep-sə-drə] -n
- water clock
clere·sto·ry ['klir-,stȯr-ē, -st(ə-)rē] -n
- an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
- gallery
cler·gy ['klər-jē] -n
- a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church
- the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion
cler·gy·man [-mən] -n
- a member of the clergy
cler·gy·per·son [-,pər-sᵊn] -n
- a member of the clergy
cler·gy·wom·an [-,wu̇-mən] -n
- a woman who is a member of the clergy
cler·ic ['kler-ik, 'kle-rik] -n
- a member of the clergy
cler·i·cal ['kler-i-kəl, 'kle-ri-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
- of or relating to a clerk
clerical -n
- a member of the clergy
- clericalist
- clerk
- clerical garments
clerical collar -n
- 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
- a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy
cler·i·cal·ist [-list] -n
- one who favors maintained or increased ecclesiastical power and influence
cler·i·hew ['kler-i-,hyü, 'kle-ri-] -n
- 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
- intelligentsia
clerk ['klərk, Brit usu 'klärk] -n
- cleric
- scholar
- 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)
- one employed to keep records or accounts or to perform general office work
- one who works at a sales or service counter
- to act or work as a clerk
clerk·ly ['klər-klē, Brit usu 'klär-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a clerk
- scholarly
Cleve·land bay ['klēv-lənd-] -n
- 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
- skillful or adroit in using the hands or body : nimble
- mentally quick and resourceful
- marked by wit or ingenuity
- good
- easy to use or handle
clev·is ['kle-vəs] -n
- shackle
clew ['klü] -n
- a ball of thread, yarn, or cord
- clue
- a lower corner or only the after corner of a sail
- a metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail
- a combination of lines by which a hammock is suspended
- to roll into a ball
- clue
- to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the clews
cli·che [klē-'shā, 'klē-,, kli-'] -n, adj
- a trite phrase or expression
- the idea expressed by it
- a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
- something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace
cli·ched [-'shād] -adj
- marked by or abounding in cliches
- hackneyed
click ['klik] -vb, adj
- to strike, move, or produce with a click
- click ed his heels together
- to select esp. in a computer interface by pressing a button on a control device (as a mouse)
- to make a click
- to fit or agree exactly
- to fit together : hit it off
- they did not click as friends
- to function smoothly
- succeed
- to select something by clicking often used with on
- a slight sharp noise
- 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
- detent
- an instance of clicking
click beetle -n
- 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
- remote control
click stop -n
- 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
- one that is under the protection of another : dependent
- a person who engages the professional advice or services of another
- customer
- a person served by or utilizing the services of a social agency
- a computer in a network that uses the services (as access to files or shared peripherals) provided by a server
- client state
cli·en·tele [,klī-ən-'tel, ,klē-ən- also ,klē-,än-] -n
- a body of clients
- a shop that caters to an exclusive clientele
client state -n
- a country that is economically, politically, or militarily dependent on another country
cliff ['klif] -n, adj
- a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice : precipice
cliff dweller -n
- 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
- a member of any cliff-dwelling people
- a resident of a large usu. metropolitan apartment building
cliffhang ['klif-,haŋ] -vi
- to await the outcome of a suspenseful situation
cliffhang·er [-,haŋ-ər] -n, adj
- an adventure serial or melodrama
- one presented in installments each ending in suspense
- a contest whose outcome is in doubt up to the very end
- a suspenseful situation
cliff swallow -n
- 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
- constituting or relating to a climacteric
- critical, crucial
climacteric -n
- a major turning point or critical stage
- menopause
- a period in the life of a male corresponding to female menopause and usu. occurring with less well-defined physiological and psychological changes
- 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
- of, relating to, or constituting a climax
- the film's climactic scene
cli·mate ['klī-mət] -n
- a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions
- 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
- the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors
- a climate -controlled office
- the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period : atmosphere
cli·mat·ic [klī-'ma-tik, klə-] -adj, adv
- of or relating to climate
- resulting from or influenced by the climate rather than the soil
climatic climax -n
- 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
- the science that deals with climates and their phenomena
cli·max ['klī-,maks] -n, adj
- a figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness
- the highest point : culmination
- the climax of a distinguished career
- the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action (as of a play)
- orgasm
- menopause
- a relatively stable ecological stage or community esp. of plants that is achieved through successful adaptation to an environment
- the final stage in ecological succession
climax -vt
- to bring to a climax
- climax ed his boxing career with a knockout
- to come to a climax
- a riot climax ing in the destruction of several houses
climb ['klīm] -vb, adj
- to go upward with gradual or continuous progress : rise, ascend
- to increase gradually
- prices are continuing to climb
- to slope upward
- to go upward or raise oneself esp. by grasping or clutching with the hands
- climb ed aboard the train
- to ascend in growth (as by twining)
- to go about or down usu. by grasping or holding with the hands
- to get into or out of clothing usu. with some haste or effort
- the firefighters climb ed into their clothes
- to go upward on or along, to the top of, or over
- to draw or pull oneself up, over, or to the top of by using hands and feet
- children climb ing the tree
- to grow up or over
- a place where climbing is necessary to progress
- the act or an instance of climbing : rise, ascent
climb down ['klīm-,dau̇n] -vi, n
- back down
climb·er ['klī-mər] -n
- one that climbs or helps in climbing
- a vine or twining plant (as a rose or sweet pea) that readily grows up a support or over other plants
- one who attempts to gain a superior social or business position
climbing iron -n
- a steel framework with spikes attached that may be affixed to one's boots for climbing (as a pole or tree)
climbing wall -n
- a wall specially designed for climbing and often built to simulate a rocky surface
clime ['klīm] -n
- climate
- traveled to warmer clime s
clin -abbr
- clinical
clinch ['klinch] -vb, adv
- clench
- to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail)
- to treat (as a screw, bolt, or rivet) in a similar way
- to fasten in this way
- to make final or irrefutable : settle
- that clinch ed the argument
- to assure the winning of
- scored a touchdown to clinch the game
- to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms
- to hold fast or firmly
- a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
- the clinched part of a nail, rivet, or bolt
- pun
- an act or instance of clinching in boxing
- embrace
clinch·er ['klin-chər] -n
- : one that clinches: as
- a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark
- the expense was the clincher that persuaded us to give up the enterprise
- a tire with flanged beads fitting into the wheel rim
cline ['klīn] -n, adj, adv
- 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
- to hold together
- to adhere as if glued firmly
- to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
- to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence
- he clung to his friends for support
- to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal
- the odor clung to the room for hours
- an act or instance of clinging : adherence
cling·stone ['kliŋ-,stōn] -n
- any of various stone fruits (as some peaches or plums) with flesh that adheres strongly to the pit
clin·ic ['kli-nik] -n
- a class of medical instruction in which patients are examined and discussed
- a group meeting devoted to the analysis and solution of concrete problems or to the acquiring of specific skills or knowledge
- a facility (as of a hospital) for diagnosis and treatment of outpatients
- a group practice in which several physicians work cooperatively
- a facility that offers professional services or consultation usu. at discounted rates
- an exemplary display or performance
- put on a clinic in the tournament
clin·i·cal ['kli-ni-kəl] -adj, adv
- : of, relating to, or conducted in or as if in a clinic: as
- involving direct observation of the patient
- based on or characterized by observable and diagnosable symptoms
- analytical or coolly dispassionate
clinical thermometer -n
- 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
- 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
- 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
- a person who conducts a clinic
clin·i·co·path·o·log·ic [,kli-ni-(,)kō-,pa-thə-'lä-jik] -adj, adv
- 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
- to give out a slight sharp short metallic sound
- to cause to clink
- a clinking sound
- a prison cell
- jail, prison
clin·ker ['kliŋ-kər] -n
- a brick that has been burned too much in the kiln
- stony matter fused together : slag
clink·er ['kliŋ-kər] -n
- something first-rate
- a wrong note
- a serious mistake or error : boner
- an utter failure : flop
- something of poor quality
clink·erbuilt [-,bilt] -adj
- having the external planks or plates overlapping like the clapboards on a house
clink·etyclank ['kliŋ-kə-tē-'klaŋk] -n
- a repeated usu. rhythmic clanking sound
- the clinketyclank of a loose tire chain
cli·nom·e·ter [klī-'nä-mə-tər] -n
- any of various instruments for measuring angles of elevation or inclination
clin·quant ['kliŋ-kənt, klaⁿ-'käⁿ] -adj
- glittering with gold or tinsel
clinquant -n
- tinsel
clin·to·nia [klin-'tō-nē-ə] -n
- any of a genus ( Clintonia) of herbs of the lily family with yellow, white, or purplish flowers
Clio ['klī-(,)ō, 'klē-] -n
- the Greek Muse of history
- 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
- the application of methods developed in other fields (as economics, statistics, and data processing) to the study of history
clip ['klip] -vt
- encompass
- to hold in a tight grip : clutch
- to clasp, fasten, or secure with a clip
- any of various devices that grip, clasp, or hook
- a device to hold cartridges for charging the magazines of some rifles
- a magazine from which ammunition is fed into the chamber of a firearm
- a piece of jewelry held in position by a clip
- to cut or cut off with or as if with shears
- clip an hour off traveling time
- to cut off the distal or outer part of
- excise
- to cut items out of (as a newspaper)
- curtail, diminish
- to abbreviate in speech or writing
- hit, punch
- to strike in passing
- the car skidded off the road and clipped a lamppost
- to illegally block (an opposing player) in football
- to take money from unfairly or dishonestly esp. by overcharging
- the nightclub clipped the tourist for 200
- to clip something
- to travel or pass rapidly
- to clip an opposing player in football
- shears
- a 2-bladed instrument for cutting esp. the nails
- : something that is clipped: as
- the product of a single shearing (as of sheep)
- a crop of wool of a sheep, a flock, or a region
- a section of filmed, videotaped, or recorded material
- a clipping esp. from a newspaper
- an act of clipping
- a sharp blow
- rate
- continues at a brisk clip
- a single instance or occasion : time often used in the phrase at a clip
- trained 1000 workers at a clip
clip art -n
- 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
- a small writing board with a clip at the top for holding papers
- 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
- the sound made by or as if by a horse walking on a hard surface
clip joint -n
- a place of public entertainment (as a nightclub) that makes a practice of defrauding patrons (as by overcharging)
- a business that makes a practice of overcharging
clipon ['klip-,ȯn, -,än] -adj, n
- attached with a clip
clip·per ['kli-pər] -n
- one that clips something
- an implement for clipping esp. hair, fingernails, or toenails usu. used in pl.
- one that moves swiftly
- a fast sailing ship
- one with long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall masts, and a large sail area
clip·ping ['kli-piŋ] -n
- something that is clipped off or out of something else
- an item clipped from a publication
clip·sheet ['klip-,shēt] -n
- a sheet of newspaper material issued by an organization for clipping and reprinting
clique ['klēk, 'klik] -n, adj, adv
- a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons
- one held together by common interests, views, or purposes
cli·tel·lum [klī-'te-ləm] -n
- 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
- 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
- excision of all or part of the clitoris
cli·to·ris ['kli-tə-rəs, kli-'tȯr-əs] -n, adj
- 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
- 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
- clerk
clo -abbr
- clothing
clo·a·ca [klō-'ā-kə] -n, adj
- sewer
- the common chamber into which the intestinal and urogenital tracts discharge esp. in monotreme mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and elasmobranch fishes
- a comparable chamber of an invertebrate
- cesspool
cloak ['klōk] -n
- a loose outer garment
- : something likened to an outer garment: as
- something that envelops or conceals
- a distinctive character or role
- hung up his academic cloak...to become a stay-at-home father -- Charles Chamberlain
- to cover or hide with or as if with a cloak
cloakanddagger -adj, n
- dealing in or suggestive of melodramatic intrigue and action usu. involving secret agents and espionage
cloak·room ['klōk-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n
- a room in which outdoor clothing may be placed during one's stay
- checkroom
- an anteroom of a legislative chamber where members may relax and confer with colleagues
- lavatory
clob·ber ['klä-bər] -n
- clothes
clobber [-b(ə-)riŋ] -vt
- to pound mercilessly
- to hit with force
- to defeat overwhelmingly
- to have a strongly negative impact on
- businesses clobber ed by the recession
- to criticize harshly
clo·chard [klō-'shär] -n
- vagrant, tramp
cloche ['klōsh] -n
- a transparent plant cover used outdoors esp. for protection against cold
- a woman's close-fitting hat usu. with deep rounded crown and narrow brim
clock ['kläk] -n
- a device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time commonly by means of hands moving on a dial
- any periodic system by which time is measured
- a registering device usu. with a dial
- odometer
- time clock
- a synchronizing device (as in a computer) that produces pulses at regular intervals
- biological clock
- to time with a stopwatch or by an electric timing device
- to be timed at
- to register on a mechanical recording device
- wind velocities were clock ed at 80 miles per hour
- to hit hard
- attain, realize usu. used with up
- just clock ed up a million...paperback sales -- Punch
- to travel (a distance) over time
- clock s more than 15,000 miles a year on business
- put in
- clock ing long hours at the office
- to have a specified duration or speed used with in
- the movie clock ed in at just under 3 hours
- to have a specified measure or value used with in
- the meal clock ed in at about 15
- to register on a time sheet or time clock : punch used with in, out, on, off
- an ornamental figure on the ankle or side of a stocking or sock
clock·like ['kläk-,līk] -adj
- unusually regular, undeviating, and precise
- does his job with clocklike efficiency
clock radio -n
- 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
- a person (as a worker or student) who keeps close watch on the passage of time
clock·wise ['kläk-,wīz] -adv, adj
- 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
- the inner workings of something
- the machinery (as springs and a train of gears) that run a clock
- a similar mechanism running a mechanical device (as a toy)
- the precision, regularity, or absence of variation associated with a clock or clockwork
- the planning went like clockwork
clod ['kläd] -n, adj
- a lump or mass esp. of earth or clay
- soil, earth
- oaf, dolt
clod·hop·per ['kläd-,hä-pər] -n
- a clumsy and uncouth rustic
- a large heavy work shoe or boot
clod·hop·ping [-,hä-piŋ] -adj
- boorish, rude
clod·poll ['kläd-,pōl] -n
- blockhead
clo·fi·brate [klō-'fī-,brāt, -'fi-] -n
- a compound C 12H 15ClO 3used esp. to lower abnormally high concentrations of fats and cholesterol in the blood
clog ['kläg, 'klȯg] -n
- a weight attached esp. to an animal to hinder motion
- something that shackles or impedes : encumbrance
- a shoe, sandal, or overshoe having a thick typically wooden sole
- to impede with a clog : hinder
- to halt or retard the progress, operation, or growth of : encumber
- restraints that have been clogging the market -- T. W. Arnold
- to fill beyond capacity : overload
- cars clogged the main street
often used with up - petty cases clogging up the courts
- to cause blockage in often used with up
- arteries clogged up by cholesterol
- to become filled with extraneous matter often used with up
- to unite in a mass : clot
- to dance a clog dance
clog dance -n
- 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
- 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
- a monastic establishment
- an area within a monastery or convent to which the religious are normally restricted
- monastic life
- a place or state of seclusion
- 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
- to seclude from the world in or as if in a cloister
- a scientist who cloister s herself in a laboratory
- to surround with a cloister
clois·tered ['klȯi-stərd] -adj
- being or living in or as if in a cloister
- providing shelter from contact with the outside world
- the cloistered atmosphere of a small college
clois·tral ['klȯi-strəl] -adj
- of, relating to, or suggestive of a cloister
clois·tress ['klȯi-strəs] -n
- nun
clo·mi·phene ['klō-mə-,fēn] -n
- 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
- a tricyclic antidepressant C 19H 23ClN 2used in the form of its hydrochloride to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder
clomp ['klämp, 'klȯmp, 'kləmp] -vi
- clump
clo·naz·e·pam [klō-'na-zə-,pam] -n
- a benzodiazepine C 15H 10ClN 30 3used esp. as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy
clone ['klōn] -n, adj, adv
- the aggregate of genetically identical cells or organisms asexually produced by a single progenitor cell or organism
- an individual grown from a single somatic cell or cell nucleus and genetically identical to it
- a group of replicas of all or part of a macromolecule and esp. DNA
- clone s of identical recombinant DNA sequences
- one that appears to be a copy of an original form : duplicate
- a clone of a personal computer
- to propagate a clone from
- to make a copy of
- to produce a clone
clo·ni·dine ['klä-nə-,dēn, 'klō-, -,dīn] -n
- 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
- to make a dull hollow thumping sound
- to cause to clonk
clo·nus ['klō-nəs] -n, adj
- a rapid succession of alternating contractions and partial relaxations of a muscle occurring in some nervous diseases
cloot ['klüt] -n
- a cloven hoof
- clootie
Cloot·ie ['klü-tē] -n
- used as a name of the devil
clop ['kläp] -n, vi
- a sound made by or as if by a hoof or wooden shoe against the pavement
clopclop ['kläp-,kläp] -n, vi
- a sound of rhythmically repeated clops
clo·que [klō-'kā, 'klō-,] -n
- a fabric with an embossed design
- a fabric esp. of pique with small woven figures
close ['klōz] -vb, adj
- to move so as to bar passage through something
- to block against entry or passage
- to deny access to
- the city closed the beach
- screen, exclude
- to suspend or stop the operations of often used with down
- enclose, contain
- to bring to an end or period
- to conclude discussion or negotiation about
- to consummate by performing something previously agreed
- close a transfer of real estate title
- to terminate access to (a computer file or program)
- to bring or bind together the parts or edges of
- to fill up (as an opening)
- to make complete by circling or enveloping or by making continuous
- to reduce to nil
- closed the distance to the lead racer
- to contract, fold, swing, or slide so as to leave no opening
- to cease operation
- the stores close at 9 p.m.
- to draw near
- the ship was closing with the island
- to engage in a struggle at close quarters : grapple
- to come together : meet
- to draw the free foot up to the supporting foot in dancing
- to enter into or complete an agreement
- to come to an end or period
- the services closed with a short prayer
- to reduce a gap
- closed to within two points
- a coming or bringing to a conclusion
- at the close of the party
- a conclusion or end in time or existence : cessation
- the decade drew to a close
- the concluding passage (as of a speech or play)
- the conclusion of a musical strain or period : cadence
- a hostile encounter
- the movement of the free foot in dancing toward or into contact with the supporting foot
- an enclosed area
- the precinct of a cathedral
- a narrow passage leading from a street to a court and the houses within or to the common stairway of tenements
- a road closed at one end
- having no openings : closed
- confined or carefully guarded
- high
- formed with the tongue in a higher position than for the other vowel of a pair
- restricted to a privileged class
- secluded, secret
- secretive
- she could tell us something if she would...but she was as close as wax -- A. Conan Doyle
- strict, rigorous
- hot and stuffy
- a room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere
- not generous in giving or spending : tight
- having little space between items or units
- fitting tightly or exactly
- very short or near to the surface
- being near in time, space, effect, or degree
- close to the speed of sound
- intimate, familiar
- very precise and attentive to details
- marked by fidelity to an original
- a close copy of an old master
- terse, compact
- decided or won by a narrow margin
- difficult to obtain
- characterized by liberal use esp. of commas
- in a close position or manner
close call ['klōs-] -n
- a narrow escape
close corporation ['klōs-] -n
- a corporation whose stock is not publicly traded but held by a few persons (as those in management)
closecropped ['klōs-,kräpt] -adj
- clipped short
- having the hair clipped short
closed ['klōzd] -adj
- not open
- enclosed
- composed entirely of closed tubes or vessels
- a closed circulatory system
- forming a self-contained unit allowing no additions
- traced by a moving point that returns to an arbitrary starting point
- so formed that every plane section is a closed curve
- 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
- containing all the limit points of every possible subset
- a closed interval contains its endpoints
- characterized by continuous return and reuse of the working substance
- having the same starting and finishing point
- confined to a few
- excluding participation of outsiders or witnesses : conducted in strict secrecy
- rigidly excluding outside influence
- ending in a consonant
closed book -n
- something beyond comprehension : enigma
closedcap·tioned ['klōz(d)-'kap-shənd] -adj
- broadcast with captions that appear only on the screen of a receiver equipped with a decoder
closedcap·tion·ing [-'kap-sh(ə-)niŋ] -n
- a service that provides closed-captioned programming
closedcell [-'sel] -adj
- consisting of numerous small sealed cavities usu. filled with air
closedcir·cuit [-'sər-kət] -adj
- 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
- close corporation
closed couplet -n
- a rhymed couplet in which the sense is complete
closeddoor ['klōz(d)-'dȯr] -adj
- barring public and press
- a closeddoor session of the investigating committee
closedend ['klōzd-'end] -adj
- 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
- an automatic control system in which an operation, process, or mechanism is regulated by feedback
close·down ['klōz-,dau̇n] -n
- an instance of suspending or stopping operations
closed shop -n
- an establishment in which the employer by agreement hires only union members in good standing
- an exclusive group or establishment
closed stance -n
- 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
- stingy, tightfisted
closegrained [-,grānd] -adj
- having a compacted smooth texture
- having narrow annual rings or small wood elements
closehauled [-'hȯld] -adj
- having the sails set for sailing as nearly against the wind as the vessel will go
closein ['klōs-'in] -adj
- near a center of activity and esp. a city
- occurring or designed for use within a narrowly limited area
close in ['klōz-] -vt
- to encircle closely and isolate
- to enshroud to such an extent as to preclude entrance or exit
- the airport was closed in by the storm
- to gather in close all around with an oppressing or isolating effect
- to approach to close quarters esp. for an attack, raid, or arrest
- to grow dark
- the short November day was already closing in -- Ellen Glasgow
closeknit ['klōs-'nit] -adj
- bound together by intimate social or cultural ties or by close economic or political ties
closely held -adj
- having most stock shares and voting rights in the hands of a few
close·mouthed ['klōz-,mau̇tht, also 'klōs-,mau̇thd] -adj
- cautious in speaking : uncommunicative
- secretive
close order -n
- an arrangement of troops in a typical marching formation
close·out ['klōz-,au̇t] -n
- a clearing out by a sale usu. at reduced prices of the whole remaining stock (as of a business)
- an article offered or bought at a closeout
close out ['klōz-] -vt
- exclude
- preclude
- to dispose of a whole stock of by sale
- to dispose of (a business)
- sell
- closed out his share of the business
- to put (an account) in order for disposal or transfer
- to bring to an often rapid or abrupt conclusion
- to discontinue operation of
- to sell out a business
- to buy or sell securities or commodities in order to terminate an account
close quarters ['klōs-] -n pl
- immediate contact or close range
clos·er ['klō-zər] -n
- one that closes
- a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing games
close shave ['klōs-, 'klōsh-] -n
- a narrow escape
close·stool ['klōs-,stül] -n
- a stool holding a chamber pot
clos·et ['klä-zət, 'klȯ-] -n
- an apartment or small room for privacy
- a monarch's or official's private chamber
- a cabinet or recess for esp. china, household utensils, or clothing
- a place of retreat or privacy
- water closet
- a state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity
closet -vt
- to shut up in or as if in a closet
- to take into a closet for a secret interview
- closely private
- working in or suited to the closet as the place of seclusion or study : theoretical
- being so in private
closet drama -n
- drama suited primarily for reading rather than production
clos·et·ed ['klä-zə-təd, 'klȯ-] -adj
- closet
closet queen -n
- one who secretly engages in homosexual activities while leading an ostensibly heterosexual life
closeup ['klōs-,əp] -n
- a photograph or movie shot taken at close range
- an intimate view or examination of something
- at close range
clos·ing ['klō-ziŋ] -n
- a concluding part (as of a speech)
- a closable gap (as in an article of clothing)
- a meeting of parties to a real-estate deal for formally transferring title
clos·trid·i·um [klä-'stri-dē-əm] -n, adj
- any of a genus ( Clostridium) of spore-forming mostly anaerobic soil or intestinal bacteria
clo·sure ['klō-zhər] -n
- means of enclosing : enclosure
- an act of closing : the condition of being closed
- something that closes
- pocket with zipper closure
- cloture
- the property that a number system or a set has when it is mathematically closed under an operation
- a set that consists of a given set together with all the limit points of that set
- an often comforting or satisfying sense of finality
- something (as a satisfying ending) that provides such a sense
clot ['klät] -n
- a portion of a substance adhering together in a thick nondescript mass (as of clay or gum)
- a roundish viscous lump formed by coagulation of a portion of liquid or by melting
- a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood
- blockhead
- cluster, group
- to become a clot : form clots
- to undergo a sequence of complex chemical and physical reactions that results in conversion of fluid blood into a coagulated mass : coagulate
- to cause to form into or as if into a clot
- to fill with clots
- clog
clotbust·er [-,bəs-tər] -n, adj
- a drug (as streptokinase) used to dissolve blood clots
cloth ['klȯth] -n
- a pliable material made usu. by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments
- a similar material (as of glass)
- a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose
- tablecloth
- a distinctive dress of a profession or calling
- the dress of the clergy
- clergy
cloth·bound [-,bau̇nd] -adj
- bound in stiff boards covered with cloth
clothe ['klōth] -vt
- to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : dress
- to provide with clothes
- the cost of feeding and clothing a family
- to express or enhance by suitably significant language : couch
- treaties clothed in stately phraseology
- 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
- clothing
- bedclothes
- all the cloth articles of personal and household use that can be washed
clothes·horse [-,hȯrs] -n
- a frame on which to hang clothes
- a conspicuously dressy person
clothes·line [-,līn] -n
- a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry
clothesline -vt
- to knock down (as a football player) by catching by the neck with an outstretched arm
clothes moth -n
- 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
- clothespin
clothes·pin [-,pin] -n
- a forked piece of wood or plastic or a small spring clamp used for fastening clothes on a clothesline
clothes·press [-,pres] -n
- a receptacle for clothes
cloth·ier ['klōth-yər, 'klō-thē-ər] -n
- one who makes or sells clothing
cloth·ing ['klō-thiŋ] -n
- garments in general
- covering
cloth yard -n
- a yard esp. for measuring cloth
- 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
- an antifungal agent C 22H 17ClN 2
clotted cream -n
- 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
- any of several plasma components (as fibrinogen, prothrombin, and thromboplastin) that are involved in the clotting of blood
clo·ture ['klō-chər] -n, vt
- the closing or limitation of debate in a legislative body esp. by calling for a vote
cloud ['klau̇d] -n
- a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the earth) or moon
- : something resembling or suggesting a cloud: as
- a light filmy, puffy, or billowy mass seeming to float in the air
- a ship under a cloud of sail
- a usu. visible mass of minute particles suspended in the air or a gas
- an aggregation of usu. obscuring matter esp. in interstellar space
- an aggregate of charged particles (as electrons)
- a great crowd or multitude : swarm
- something that has a dark, lowering, or threatening aspect
- something that obscures or blemishes
- a dark or opaque vein or spot (as in marble or a precious stone)
- to grow cloudy usu. used with over or up
- cloud ed over before the storm
- to become troubled, apprehensive, or distressed in appearance
- her face cloud ed with worry
- to become blurry, dubious, or ominous often used with over
- the outlook is cloud ing over
- to billow up in the form of a cloud
- to envelop or hide with or as if with a cloud
- to make opaque esp. by condensation of moisture
- steam cloud ed the windows
- to make murky esp. with smoke or mist
- to make unclear or confused
- taint, sully
- to cast gloom over
- cloud prospects for success
cloud·ber·ry ['klau̇d-,ber-ē, -,be-rē] -n
- a creeping herbaceous raspberry ( Rubus chamaemorus) of north temperate regions
- its pale amber-colored edible fruit
cloud·burst [-,bərst] -n
- a sudden copious rainfall
- a sudden outpouring : deluge
cloud chamber -n
- 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
- a realm of fantasy or of whimsical or foolish behavior
cloud ear -n
- wood ear
cloud·ed leopard ['klau̇-dəd-] -n
- 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
- 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
- the region of the clouds
- the realm of visionary speculation or poetic imagination
cloud·less [-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- free from clouds : clear
cloud·let ['klau̇d-lət] -n
- a small cloud
cloud nine -n
- 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
- a view or pictorial representation of a cloud formation
cloud street -n
- a row of cumulus clouds
cloudy ['klau̇-dē] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or resembling cloud
- darkened by gloom or anxiety
- overcast with clouds
- having a cloudy sky
- obscure in meaning
- uncertain as to fact or outcome
- dimmed or dulled as if by clouds
- uneven in color or texture
- having visible material in suspension : murky
clout ['klau̇t] -n
- a piece of cloth or leather : rag
- a blow esp. with the hand
- a hard hit in baseball
- a white cloth on a stake or frame used as a target in archery
- pull, influence
- to cover or patch with a clout
- to hit forcefully
clove ['klōv] -n
- 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)
- to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
- to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
- to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
- to subject to chemical cleavage
- a protein cleaved by an enzyme
- to split esp. along the grain
- to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting
clove hitch ['klōv-] -n
- 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)
- to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly
- to divide by or as if by a cutting blow : split
- to separate into distinct parts and esp. into groups having divergent views
- to subject to chemical cleavage
- a protein cleaved by an enzyme
- to split esp. along the grain
- to penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting
cloven foot ['klō-vən-,fu̇-təd] -n, adj
- cloven hoof
cloven hoof ['klō-vən-,hu̇ft, -,hüft, -,hu̇vd, -,hüvd] -n, adj
- a foot (as of a sheep) divided into two parts at its distal extremity
- the sign of devilish character
clove pink -n
- carnation
clo·ver ['klō-vər] -n
- 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
- any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza,or Medicago) of the legume family
clo·ver·leaf [-,lēf] -adj
- resembling a clover leaf in shape
cloverleaf [-,lēfs] -n
- 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
- 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
- farmer, countryman
- a rude ill-bred person : boor
- a fool, jester, or comedian in an entertainment (as a play)
- a grotesquely dressed comedy performer in a circus
- a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoon
- joker
- to act as or like a clown
clown·ery ['klau̇-nə-rē] -n
- clownish behavior or an instance of clownishness : buffoonery
clown fish -n
- 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
- resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)
clox·a·cil·lin [,kläk-sə-'si-lən] -n
- a semisynthetic oral penicillin C 19H 17ClN 3NaO 5S effective esp. against staphylococci which secrete beta-lactamase
cloy ['klȯi] -vb
- to surfeit with an excess usu. of something orig. pleasing
- to cause surfeit
cloy·ing ['klȯi-iŋ, 'klȯiŋ] -adj, adv
- disgusting or distasteful by reason of excess
- excessively sweet or sentimental
- a cloying romantic comedy
clo·za·pine ['klō-zə-,pēn] -n
- an antipsychotic drug C 18H 19ClN 4used in the treatment of schizophrenia
cloze ['klōz] -adj
- 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
- clear; clearance
CLU -abbr
- chartered life underwriter
club ['kləb] -n, adj
- a heavy usu. tapering staff esp. of wood wielded as a weapon
- a stick or bat used to hit a ball in any of various games
- something resembling a club
- a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a black clover
- the suit comprising cards marked with clubs
- an association of persons for some common object usu. jointly supported and meeting periodically
- a group identified by some common characteristic
- nations in the nuclear club
- the meeting place of a club
- an association of persons participating in a plan by which they agree to make regular payments or purchases in order to secure some advantage
- nightclub
- an athletic association or team
- club sandwich
- to beat or strike with or as if with a club
- to gather into a club-shaped mass
- to unite or combine for a common cause
- to contribute to a common fund
- to form a club : combine
- to pay a share of a common expense
- nightclub
club·ba·ble ['klə-bə-bəl] -adj, n
- sociable
clubbed ['kləbd] -adj
- shaped like a club
club·ber ['klə-bər] -n
- a member or patron of a club
club·by ['klə-bē] -adj, n
- : characteristic of a club or club members: as
- displaying friendliness esp. to other members of the same social group : sociable
- open only to qualified or approved persons : select, elite
club car -n
- a railroad passenger car with facilities for serving refreshments and drinks called also bar car lounge car
club chair -n
- a deep low thickly upholstered easy chair often with rather low back and heavy sides and arms
club cheese -n
- a process cheese made by grinding cheddar and other cheeses usu. with added condiments and seasoning
club·face ['kləb-,fās] -n
- the forward striking surface of a clubhead
club·foot ['kləb-,fu̇t] -n, adj
- a congenitally misshapen foot twisted out of position
- this deformity
club fungus -n
- any of various basidiomycetes (family Clavariaceae) with a simple or branched often club-shaped sporophore
club·head ['kləb-,hed] -n
- the part of a golf club that strikes the ball
club·house ['kləb-,hau̇s] -n
- a house occupied by a club or used for club activities
- locker rooms used by an athletic team
- a building at a golf course typically housing a locker room, pro shop, and restaurant
club·man ['kləb-mən, -,man] -n
- a usu. wealthy man given to club life
club moss -n
- 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
- a disease of cruciferous plants (as cabbage) caused by a slime mold ( Plasmodiophora brassicae) producing swellings or distortions of the root
club sandwich -n
- a sandwich of three slices of bread with two layers of meat (as turkey) and lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise
club soda -n
- soda water
club steak -n
- a small steak cut from the end of the short loin
cluck ['klək] -vb
- to make a cluck
- to make a clicking sound with the tongue
- to express interest or concern
- critics cluck ed over the new developments
- to call with a cluck
- to express with interest or concern
- the characteristic sound made by a hen esp. in calling her chicks
- a stupid or naive person
clue ['klü] -n
- something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties
- a piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem
- idea, notion
- had no clue what he meant
- to provide with a clue
- to give reliable information to
- clue me in on how it happened
clue·less ['klü-ləs] -adj
- having or providing no clue
- a clueless case for the police to solve
- completely or hopelessly bewildered, unaware, ignorant, or foolish
- clueless about what they want
clum·ber spaniel ['kləm-bər-] -n
- any of a breed of large massive heavyset spaniels with a dense silky largely white coat
clump ['kləmp] -n, adj
- a group of things clustered together
- a compact mass
- a heavy tramping sound
- to walk or move clumsily and noisily
- to form clumps
- to arrange in or cause to form clumps
clum·sy ['kləm-zē] -adj, adv, n
- lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
- lacking tact or subtlety
- awkward or inefficient in use or construction : unwieldy
clung ['kliŋ] -vi, n, adj
(variant of cling)
- to hold together
- to adhere as if glued firmly
- to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
- to have a strong emotional attachment or dependence
- he clung to his friends for support
- to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal
- the odor clung to the room for hours
- an act or instance of clinging : adherence
clunk ['kləŋk] -vb
- to make a clunk
- to hit something with a clunk
- to strike or hit with a clunk
- a blow or the sound of a blow : thump
- a dull or stupid person
clunk·er ['kləŋ-kər] -n
- an old or badly working piece of machinery
- a dilapidated automobile
- someone or something notably unsuccessful
- told a joke that was a real clunker
clunky ['kləŋ-kē] -adj
- clumsy in style, form, or execution
clu·pe·id ['klü-pē-əd] -n
- herring
clus·ter ['kləs-tər] -n, adj
- : a number of similar things that occur together: as
- two or more consecutive consonants or vowels in a segment of speech
- 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
- an aggregation of stars or galaxies that appear close together in the sky and are gravitationally associated
- 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
- to collect into a cluster
- cluster the tents together
- to furnish with clusters
- to grow, assemble, or occur in a cluster
- they cluster ed around the fire
cluster analysis -n
- 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
- a canister of small individual bombs that is dropped from an aircraft
cluster headache -n
- 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
- to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usu. strongly, tightly, or suddenly
- clench
- to seek to grasp and hold
- to operate an automobile clutch
- the claws or a hand in the act of grasping or seizing firmly
- an often cruel or unrelenting control, power, or possession
- the fell clutch of circumstance -- W. E. Henley
- the act of grasping, holding, or restraining
- a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a driven part (as an engine and a transmission) of a mechanism
- a lever (as a pedal) operating such a clutch
- a tight or critical situation : pinch
- come through in the clutch
- clutch bag
- made or done in a crucial situation
- successful in a crucial situation
- a nest of eggs or a brood of chicks
- group, bunch
clutch bag -n
- a woman's small usu. strapless handbag
clut·ter ['klə-tər] -vb
- to run in disorder
- 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
- a crowded or confused mass or collection
- things that clutter a place
- interfering radar echoes caused by reflection from objects (as on the ground) other than the target
- disturbance, hubbub
Clyde ['klīd] -n
- clydesdale
Clydes·dale ['klīdz-,dāl] -n
- 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
- a plate on the anterior median aspect of an insect's head
clys·ter ['klis-tər] -n
- enema
Cly·tem·nes·tra [,klī-təm-'nes-trə] -n
- the wife and murderess of Agamemnon