clavis
/ˈkleɪ.vɪs/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.70 in modern English
11
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
1
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A key; an identification guide; a series of logically organized groups of discriminating information which aims to allow the user to correctly identify a taxon.
Example Sentences
- "Iron clavis, the solid web-shaped at the edges to fit the wards in the lock, and having a pointed broach and a kite-formed looped haft."
- "His hands were restrained by means of a clavis and bolt (of iron), appropriated to each wrist, and united by a padlock."
- "Homer, with a clavis, I have had possession of some years."
- "There are many disadvantages in using a clavis intended for another country, which necessarily includes plants that are absent from our islands while it omits some that are present and neglects the peculiarities of our island flora."
Etymology
Origin
- Source language: Latin
Word Breakdown
- Root: clāvis
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈkleɪ.vɪs/
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Law.