clauses

noun

(grammar) A group of words that contains a subject and a verb; it may be part of a sentence or may constitute the whole sentence, depending on the syntax in each instance.

(grammar) A verb along with its subject and their modifiers. If a clause provides a complete thought on its own, then it is an independent (superordinate) clause; otherwise, it is dependent (subordinate). (Independent clauses can be sentences; they can also be part of a sentence. Dependent clauses can only be part of a sentence.)

(grammar) A verb, its necessary grammatical arguments, and any adjuncts affecting them.

(law) A distinct part of a contract, a will or another legal document.

(databases) A constituent (component) of a statement or query.

A surname.

verb

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

Roots

claudoclaus- · Latin · close, shut

Synonyms & related words for clauses

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Words related to clauses

Explore words related to clauses — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include clausal, stipulations, subparagraph, paragraph, apodosis, proviso, article, hypozeuxis. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does clauses come from?

The word clauses breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root claus-, from Latin claudo (“close, shut”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.