ENGLISH
REFERENCE

clearing

n.
US //ˈkɫɪɹɪŋ// UK //klˈiəɹɪŋ// clear·ing
  1. 1 open space in a forest (n.)
    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.

    Example

    We found a sunny clearing in the middle of the woods and decided to have our picnic there.

    Example

    The hikers emerged from the dense undergrowth into a wide clearing, where the sunlight finally reached the forest floor.
  2. 2 financial settlement (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    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.

    Example

    The bank handles the clearing of thousands of cheques every day.

    Example

    The central bank introduced a new automated clearing system to reduce the time required for international wire transfers to settle.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in 'clearing house'.
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  1. 3 university admissions (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Education

    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.

    Example

    He didn't get the grades he needed for his first choice, so he found a place through clearing.

    Example

    During the busy clearing period in August, university phone lines are staffed by advisors helping students navigate their remaining options.

    Teacher's tip

    This 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.

  2. 4 removing an obstacle (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The clearing of the snow from the roads took several hours after the storm.

    Example

    The council ordered the immediate clearing of the site to ensure that construction could begin on schedule.
Origin

From clear + -ing.

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