Clause Definition

klôz
clauses
noun
clauses
A group of words containing a subject and a finite verb, usually forming part of a compound or complex sentence: clauses may be joined by parataxis (The house is secluded; you will like it), by modified parataxis (The house is secluded, and you will like it), and by hypotaxis (Because the house is secluded, you will like it)
Webster's New World
A particular article, stipulation, or provision in a formal or legal document.
Webster's New World

(grammar, informal) A group of two or more words which include a subject and any necessary predicate (the predicate also includes a verb, conjunction, or a preposition) to begin the clause; however, this clause is not considered a sentence for colloquial purposes.

Wiktionary
verb

(shipping) To amend (a bill of lading or similar document).

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Clause

Noun

Singular:
clause
Plural:
clauses

Origin of Clause

  • From Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin clausa (“a clause”) (Latin diminutive clausula (“a clause, close of a period”)), from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere (“to shut, close”); see close.

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Old French from Medieval Latin clausa close of a rhetorical period from feminine of Latin clausus past participle of claudere to close

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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