clearance Hear it!

clearance definition

clear·ance (klirəns)

noun

  1. an act or instance of clearing
  2. the clear space or distance between moving objects or mechanical parts, or between a moving object and that which it passes through, over, under, etc.
  3. official, esp. governmental, authorization allowing a person to examine classified documents, participate in confidential projects, etc.
    1. a certificate from the collector of customs authorizing a ship to enter or leave port
    2. the act or process of meeting the requirements for getting this certificate
  4. Aeron. permission, usually from a control tower, to take off, land, etc.
  5. Banking the adjustment of debits and credits, exchange of checks, etc. in a clearinghouse

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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