clan
n.-
1 family group (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea large group of families who are related to each other, especially in historical or traditional societies.
a traditional social unit consisting of families claiming descent from a common ancestor, often found in tribal or historical contexts.
ExampleThe different clans gathered once a year to discuss territory and trade.
ExampleAnthropologists studied how the various clans maintained their distinct identities through unique oral histories and marriage customs.
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2 Scottish history (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea traditional group of families in the Scottish Highlands led by a chief.
a specific social structure in the Scottish Highlands consisting of families with a common surname and a hereditary chieftain.
ExampleHe was proud of his ancestors who belonged to a famous Scottish clan.
ExampleThe historical exhibition detailed the complex alliances and bitter feuds that defined the major Highland clans during the eighteenth century.
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3 close-knit group (n.) C1 Advanced Informala group of people who spend a lot of time together because they share the same interests.
a close-knit group of people with a strong common interest or identity, often used metaphorically for social or professional circles.
ExampleThe whole clan of tech enthusiasts met up at the conference every summer.
ExampleThe local political scene was dominated by a small clan of influential families who had controlled the council for decades.
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4 gaming team (n.) B1 Intermediate Slang Computinga group of people who play together as a team in online video games.
an organised group of players who regularly play together in multiplayer online games, often competing against other groups.
ExampleHe joined a top-tier clan to compete in the international gaming tournament.
ExampleThe clan's reputation grew as they consistently defeated rival teams in the seasonal rankings.
Borrowed from Irish clann (“offspring, children of the family”) and Scottish Gaelic clann, both from Old Irish cland, borrowed from Old Welsh plant, itself borrowed from Latin planta (“shoot, offspring”). Doublet of plant and planta.