clause
clause
noun \ˈklȯz\Definition of CLAUSE
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; specifically : a distinct article in a formal document
Examples of CLAUSE
- The sentence “When it rained they went inside” consists of two clauses: “when it rained” and “they went inside.”
- a clause in a will
Origin of CLAUSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin clausa close of a rhetorical period, from Latin, feminine of clausus, past participle of claudere to close — more at close
First Known Use: 13th century
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