cloture
/ˈkloʊ.t͡ʃɝ/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.35 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
In legislative assemblies that permit unlimited debate (that is, a filibuster): a motion, procedure or rule by which debate is ended so that a vote may be taken on the matter. For example, in the United States Senate, a three-fifths majority vote of the body is required to invoke cloture and terminate debate.
American usage; Countable; Uncountable
verb
To end legislative debate by this means.
Example Sentences
- "Now, a filibuster typically begins when a Senator or group of Senators signals their intent to filibuster – which can be done by a private conversation with the majority leader or by quietly placing a bill or nomination on hold. Given the modern Senate's scarce floor time, this threat is usually enough to table the disputed issue until the dissenting Senators cave or until there are definitely enough votes to invoke cloture."
Etymology
Origin
- Source language: French
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈkloʊ.t͡ʃɝ/
- British English: /ˈkloʊ.tjʊə(ɹ)/
Usage
- American usage
- Countable
- Uncountable