clause

[ klawz ]
/ klɔz /

noun

Grammar. a syntactic construction containing a subject and predicate and forming part of a sentence or constituting a whole simple sentence.
a distinct article or provision in a contract, treaty, will, or other formal or legal written document.

Origin of clause

1175–1225; Middle English claus(e) (< Anglo-French) < Medieval Latin clausa, back formation from Latin clausula clausula

OTHER WORDS FROM clause

claus·al, adjective sub·claus·al, adjective sub·clause, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH clause

clause claws

Definition for clause (2 of 2)

in terrorem clause
[ in te-rawr-em, -rohr- ]
/ ɪn tɛˈrɔr ɛm, -ˈroʊr- /

noun Law.

a clause in a will stating that a beneficiary who contests the will shall lose his or her legacy.

Origin of in terrorem clause

From the Latin word in terrōrem into terror, i.e., by intimidation, by way of warning

Example sentences from the Web for clause

British Dictionary definitions for clause

clause
/ (klɔːz) /

noun

grammar a group of words, consisting of a subject and a predicate including a finite verb, that does not necessarily constitute a sentence See also main clause, subordinate clause, coordinate clause
a section of a legal document such as a contract, will, or draft statute

Derived forms of clause

clausal, adjective

Word Origin for clause

C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin clausa a closing (of a rhetorical period), back formation from Latin clausula, from claudere to close

Cultural definitions for clause

clause

A group of words in a sentence that contains a subject and predicate. (See dependent clause and independent clause.)