adj., adv., v., & n.
adj. 1 (often foll. by of) free from dirt or contaminating matter, unsoiled. 2 clear; unused or unpolluted; preserving what is regarded as the original state (clean air; clean page). 3 free from obscenity or indecency. 4 a attentive to personal hygiene and cleanliness. b (of children and animals) toilet-trained or house-trained. 5 complete, clear-cut, unobstructed, even. 6 a (of a ship, aircraft, or car) streamlined, smooth. b well-formed, slender and shapely (clean-limbed; the car has clean lines). 7 adroit, skilful (clean fielding). 8 (of a nuclear weapon) producing relatively little fallout. 9 a free from ceremonial defilement or from disease. b (of food) not prohibited. 10 a free from any record of a crime, offence, etc. (a clean driving-licence). b sl. free from suspicion; not carrying incriminating material. 11 (of a taste, smell, etc.) sharp, fresh, distinctive. 12 (of timber) free from knots.
adv. 1 completely, outright, simply (clean bowled; cut clean through; clean forgot). 2 in a clean manner.
v. 1 tr. (also foll. by of) & intr. make or become clean. 2 tr. eat all the food on (one's plate). 3 tr. Cookery remove the innards of (fish or fowl). 4 intr. make oneself clean.
n. the act or process of cleaning or being cleaned (give it a clean). clean bill of health see BILL(1). clean break a quick and final separation. clean-cut sharply outlined. clean down clean by brushing or wiping. clean hands freedom from guilt. clean-living of upright character. clean out 1 clean thoroughly. 2 sl. empty or deprive (esp. of money). clean-shaven without beard, whiskers, moustache. clean sheet (or slate) freedom from commitments or imputations; the removal of these from one's record. clean up 1 a clear (a mess) away. b (also absol.) put (things) tidy. c make (oneself) clean. 2 restore order or morality to. 3 sl. a acquire as gain or profit. b make a gain or profit. clean-up n. an act of cleaning up. come clean colloq. own up; confess everything. make a clean breast of see BREAST. make a clean job of colloq. do thoroughly. make a clean sweep of see SWEEP. cleanable adj. cleanish adj. cleanness n.
[ OE clne (adj. & adv.), clene (adv.), f. WG ]