clearance
/ˈklɪɚ.əns/
Frequency: 3.96 in modern English
Meaning
noun
The distance between two moving objects, especially between parts of a machine
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The height or width of a tunnel, bridge or other passage, or the distance between a vehicle and the walls or roof of such passage; a gap, headroom.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A permission to have access to sensitive or secret documents or other information.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A permission to use something, usually intellectual property, that is legally, but not otherwise, protected.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A sale of merchandise, especially at significantly reduced prices, usually in order to make room for new merchandise or updated versions of the same merchandise; sometimes as a closeout.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The settlement of transactions involving securities or means of payment such as checks by means of a clearing house.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "In conclusion, it must be reiterated that effective snow clearance is largely a matter of forward planning and departmental co-operation."
- "Clearance on these freeway overpasses is limited, so big trucks must detour."
- "When the scheme is completed, the 99-year-old swing bridge over the canal will be dispensed with as the new bridge will have sufficient height to allow clearance for the passage of canal traffic."
- "To obtain the required overhead clearance at Stockport, it will be necessary to open out the Edgeley tunnels."
- "Piggybacking introduced severe clearance problems for many railroads."
- "The plane got clearance from air traffic control, and we were off."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈklɪɚ.əns/
- British English: /ˈklɪə̯.ɹəns/