clause

The definition of a clause is a part of a sentence in grammar. It is also a specific portion of a bill or treaty.

(noun)

An example of a clause in the sentence "There are many people in the US; all of them are free is "there are many people in the US."
An example of a clause is the portion of Title VII that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or nationality.

See clause in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Gram. 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)
a particular article, stipulation, or provision in a formal or legal document

Origin: OFr < ML clausa, for L clausula, a closing (in legal use, section or clause) < clausus, pp. of claudere, to close

See clause in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Grammar A group of words containing a subject and a predicate and forming part of a compound or complex sentence.
A distinct article, stipulation, or provision in a document.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin clausa, close of a rhetorical period

Origin: , from feminine of Latin clausus

Origin: , past participle of claudere, to close

Related Forms: