clause
UK[klɔːz]US[klɔːz]
n
a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, but which is usually only part of a sentence
n
a particular and separate article, stipulation, or provision in a legal document or formal agreement
Etymology
the word 'clause' entered english in the late 13th century via old french 'clause', from latin 'clausula', a diminutive form of 'clausus' (past participle of 'claudere', "to close"). its original sense was "a conclusion or end," specifically the rhythmic conclusion of a rhetorical period. this evolved logically into the grammatical sense of "a distinct part of a sentence," as it marks a conceptual unit that can stand alone or be integrated. the legal meaning, referring to a distinct provision or article within a contract, developed from this idea of a self-contained segment within a larger formal text.
Analysis
the word 'clause' is a simplex form. it is derived from the latin 'clausula', meaning "a closing, conclusion, or end of a sentence or period." the latin root is 'claudere', meaning "to close, shut."
Examples
the sentence contains a main clause and a subordinate clause.
a confidentiality clause was included in the employment contract.
the agreement has a clause that allows for early termination.