cluster

¹clus·ter

noun \ˈkləs-tər\

Definition of CLUSTER

: a number of similar things that occur together: as

a : two or more consecutive consonants or vowels in a segment of speech

b : a group of buildings and especially houses built close together on a sizable tract in order to preserve open spaces larger than the individual yard for common recreation

c : an aggregation of stars or galaxies that appear close together in the sky and are gravitationally associated

d : a larger than expected number of cases of disease (as leukemia) occurring in a particular locality, group of people, or period of time

— clus·tery \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

Examples of CLUSTER

1. a cluster of cottages along the shore
2. A small cluster of people had gathered at the scene of the accident.

Origin of CLUSTER

Middle English, from Old English clyster; akin to Old English clott clot

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CLUSTER

Synonyms

array, assemblage, band, bank, batch, battery, block, bunch, clot, clump, group, clutch, collection, constellation, grouping, huddle, knot, lot, muster, package, parcel, passel, set, suite

Related Words

accumulation, aggregate, aggregation, conglomeration; agglomeration, assortment, hodgepodge, jumble, miscellany, mixture, odds and ends, sundries, variety; cycle, run, series, suit

Near Antonyms

entity, item, single, unit

Rhymes with CLUSTER

bluster, buster, Custer, duster, fluster, luster, muster, thruster, truster

²cluster

verb

clus·teredclus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of CLUSTER

transitive verb

1

: to collect into a cluster <cluster the tents together>

2

: to furnish with clusters

intransitive verb

: to grow, assemble, or occur in a cluster <they clustered around the fire>

Examples of CLUSTER

1. The children clustered around the storyteller.
2. <the mice clustered together into a small burrow>

First Known Use of CLUSTER

14th century

Related to CLUSTER

Synonyms

assemble, collect, concenter, concentrate, conglomerate, congregate, convene, converge, forgather (or foregather), gather, meet, rendezvous

Antonyms

break up, disband, disperse, split (up)

Related Words

affiliate, ally, associate, band (together), caucus, club, collaborate, confederate, conjoin, consolidate, consort, cooperate, couple, federate, gang up, join, merge, unite; reassemble, reconvene, regather, remeet

Near Antonyms

depart, leave, take off; disjoin, dissociate, disunite

clus·ter

noun \ˈkləs-tər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CLUSTER

: a larger than expected number of cases of disease (as leukemia) occurring in a particular locality, group of people, or period of time