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

1. The sentence “When it rained they went inside” consists of two clauses: “when it rained” and “they went inside.”
2. 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

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with CLAUSE

cause, 'cause, gauze, hawse, pause, tawse, yaws