CLUSTER


Meaning of CLUSTER in English

I. ˈkləstə(r) noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English cluster, clustre, from Old English clyster, cluster; akin to Low German kluster cluster, Old English clott lump, mass — more at clot

1. : a number of things of the same kind (as fruit or flowers) growing closely together : bunch

a flower cluster

a cluster of coral animals

2. : a number of similar things grouped together in association or in physical proximity

a cluster of houses

little clusters of settlers scattered along the coast

as

a. : a number of honeybees clinging together in a solid mass

b. : an aggregation of stars, galaxies, or supergalaxies that appear close together in the sky and seem to have common properties (as distance and motion) — see globular cluster , moving cluster

c. : two or more electric lamps grouped together on a single fixture

d. : the group of four cups that connect the teats of a cow to a milking machine

3. : a number of similar things considered as a group because of their relation to each other or their simultaneity of occurrence or for convenience in treatment or discussion

tone clusters which are known as blue — Rudi Blesh

the great cluster of inventions of the last quarter of the 19th century — Bruce Bliven b.1889

a cluster of characteristics

4. : two or more consecutive consonants or vowels in a segment of speech

the consonant sounds for the italics in “wi nch spr ocket” are a cluster

II. verb

( clustered ; clustered ; clustering -t(ə)riŋ ; clusters )

Etymology: Middle English clusteren, from cluster, n.

transitive verb

1. : to collect into a cluster or clusters : gather into a bunch

cluster ten or a dozen of these together, with several smaller sheds and tents — Walt Whitman

2. : to furnish or cover with clusters

the bridge was clustered with men and officers — Herman Wouk

intransitive verb

: to grow in clusters or assemble in groups : collect, gather, or unite in a cluster or clusters

men cluster around the stove

legends have already clustered about his name

III. noun

1. : a group of buildings and especially houses built close together on a sizable tract in order to preserve open spaces larger than the individual yard for common recreation

2. : a small group of atoms (as of a metal) that are bonded together in usually polyhedral form

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.