clearance

[ kleer-uhns ]

noun

1. the act of clearing.
2. the distance between two objects; an amount of clear space:

   The bridge allowed a clearance of 37 feet at mean high water.

3. a formal authorization permitting access to classified information, documents, etc.
4. Also called clearance sale. the disposal of merchandise at reduced prices to make room for new goods:

   He bought the coat for half price at a clearance.

5. a clear space; a clearing:

   The house stood in a clearance among the trees.

6. Banking. an exchange of checks and other commercial paper drawn on members of a clearinghouse, usually effected at a daily meeting of the members.
7. Machinery. a space between two moving parts, left to avoid clashing or to permit relatively free motion.
8. the angle between a face of a cutting tool, as a lathe tool, and the work.
9. Nautical.
   1. the clearing clearing of a ship at a port.
   2. Also called clearance papers. the official papers certifying this.
10. Medicine/Medical. a test of the excretory function of the kidneys based on the volume of blood that is cleared of a specific substance per minute by renal excretion.

clearance

/ ˈklɪərəns /

noun

1. 1. the process or an instance of clearing

      slum clearance

   2. ( as modifier )

      a clearance order

2. space between two parts in motion or in relative motion
3. permission for an aircraft, ship, passengers, etc, to proceed
4. official permission to have access to secret information, projects, areas, etc
5. banking the exchange of commercial documents drawn on the members of a clearing house
6. 1. the disposal of merchandise at reduced prices
   2. ( as modifier )

      a clearance sale

7. sport
   1. the act of hitting or kicking a ball out of the defensive area, as in football
   2. an instance of this
8. the act of clearing an area of land of its inhabitants by mass eviction See Highland Clearances
9. dentistry the extraction of all of a person's teeth
10. a less common word for clearing

Other Words From

• non·clear·ance noun
• pre·clear·ance noun adjective
• self-clear·ance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clearance¹

First recorded in 1555–65; clear + -ance

Example Sentences

Regulations can make it trickier for companies to gain needed licenses or clearance to sell themselves to bigger rivals.

From New York Times

His son, Jason Jr., is still awaiting clearance from the Southern Section after transferring from Lynwood.

From Los Angeles Times

The Donald Trump ally currently benefits from billions of dollars in US defence and intelligence contracts, and also claims to hold a top secret level security clearance.

From BBC

He could simply order that his appointees be granted the appropriate clearances.

From Salon

NexGen anticipates that construction on its mine - which is awaiting clearance from Canada’s federal nuclear regulator - will begin early next year.

From BBC

Related Words

• approval
• authorization
• consent
• go ahead
• green light