clarification

[ klar-uh-fuh-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of making an idea or statement clear:

   You may use a pencil to circle words, passages, or phrases that you don't understand or that need clarification.

2. the removal of solid matter from a liquid so that it is clear or translucent:

   The clarification of butter involves first melting it and then getting rid of all milk solids, leaving behind pure saturated fat.

Other Words From

• non·clar·if·i·ca·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarification¹

First recorded in 1570–80, for an earlier sense; from Latin clārificātiōn-, stem of clārificātiō “a making clear,” from clārificāre “to make clear”; clarify ( def ), -fication ( def )

Example Sentences

The Rome court has halted these actions pending further clarification from the ECJ.

From BBC

There was even later clarification to African Churches that the blessing prayers that were voted through were to bless the individuals in the same-sex union and not bless the union itself.

From BBC

I love this question because I think it brings up an important point of clarification.

From Salon

After all the speeches and mail pieces, all the TV ads, the debates, town halls, prime-time interviews, impromptu statements and hasty clarifications, it’s finally voters’ turn to have their say.

From Los Angeles Times

It seems they and not the chancellor were right, according to a clarification from the UK government.

From BBC

Related Words

• description
• interpretation
• resolution
• simplification