/klee"neuhr/ , n.
1. a person who cleans, esp. one whose regular occupation is cleaning offices, buildings, equipment, etc.
2. an apparatus or machine for cleaning, as a vacuum cleaner.
3. a preparation for use in cleaning, as a detergent or chemical bleach.
4. the owner or operator of a dry-cleaning establishment: The cleaner said he couldn't get the spot off my coat.
5. Usually, cleaners . a dry-cleaning establishment: My suit is at the cleaners.
6. take to the cleaners . Slang. to cause to lose all or a great deal of one's money or personal property, as through gambling or a bad investment: He got taken to the cleaners in the poker game last night.
[ 1425-75; late ME clener. See CLEAN, -ER 1 ]