clearing
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small area of land in a forest or woods that has no trees.
a tract of land within a wood or forest that is devoid of trees.
Simple“We found a sunny clearing in the middle of the woods and decided to have our picnic there.”
In context“The hikers emerged from the dense undergrowth into a wide clearing, where the sunlight finally reached the forest floor.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
the process where banks exchange information to complete payments and settle debts.
the procedure by which financial institutions settle mutual claims and exchange payment information through a central system.
Simple“The bank handles the clearing of thousands of cheques every day.”
In context“The central bank introduced a new automated clearing system to reduce the time required for international wire transfers to settle.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in 'clearing house'.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a system in the UK where students can find available places at a university if they do not have an offer.
the process in the United Kingdom by which unplaced applicants are matched with remaining university vacancies before the academic year begins.
Simple“He didn't get the grades he needed for his first choice, so he found a place through clearing.”
In context“During the busy clearing period in August, university phone lines are staffed by advisors helping students navigate their remaining options.”
Teacher's tipThis is a specific cultural term for the UK higher education system; learners in the US would use 'rolling admissions' or 'late registration' for similar concepts.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of making a space empty or removing things that are in the way.
the act or process of removing obstructions or unwanted items from a specific area.
Simple“The clearing of the snow from the roads took several hours after the storm.”
In context“The council ordered the immediate clearing of the site to ensure that construction could begin on schedule.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“The reef still faces enormous challenges from climate change, extreme weather and ongoing land-use pressures, including tree clearing.”
“Its vines blanket trees and power lines, turning roadside clearings into walls of green.”
From clear + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.