| Noun | 1. | clause - (grammar) an expression including a subject and predicate but not constituting a complete sentence grammar - the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology (and sometimes also deals with semantics) sentence - a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language; "he always spoke in grammatical sentences" grammatical construction, construction, expression - a group of words that form a constituent of a sentence and are considered as a single unit; "I concluded from his awkward constructions that he was a foreigner" independent clause, main clause - a clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence coordinate clause - a clause in a complex sentence that is grammatically equivalent to the main clause and that performs the same grammatical function dependent clause, subordinate clause - a clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb relative clause - a clause introduced by a relative pronoun; "`who visits frequently' is a relative clause in the sentence `John, who visits frequently, is ill'" |
| 2. | clause - a separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)section, subdivision - a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical); "he always turns first to the business section"; "the history of this work is discussed in the next section" arbitration clause - a clause in a contract providing for arbitration of disputes arising under the contract deductible - a clause in an insurance policy that relieves the insurer of responsibility to pay the initial loss up to a stated amount double indemnity - a clause in an insurance policy that provides for double the face value of the policy in the case of accidental death escalator, escalator clause - a clause in a contract that provides for an increase or a decrease in wages or prices or benefits etc. depending on certain conditions (as a change in the cost of living index) joker - an inconspicuous clause in a document or bill that affects its meaning in a way that is not immediately apparent; "when I demanded my money he showed me the joker in the contract" reserve clause - a clause that used to be part of the contract with a professional athlete extending the contract for a year beyond its expiration; "the reserve clause was used to bind players to a particular ball club" rider - a clause that is appended to a legislative bill document, papers, written document - writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature) contract - a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law |