Definition of: clause

(klôz) noun
1. Gram. A group of words containing a subject and predicate, but forming a subordinate part of a compound or complex sentence: distinguished from phrase.
2. A distinct part of a composition, as a paragraph or article.
3. A separate statement or proviso in a legal or state document.
—principal clause Gram. The clause which contains the main predication of a sentence.
—relative clause Gram. A subordinate clause introduced by a relative pronoun.
—subordinate (or dependent) clause Gram. A clause which has the effect of a noun, adjective, or adverb in the structure of a sentence. [<OF <Med. L clausa <L clausus, pp. of claudere close]
—claus′al adjective