clause Definition

clause
noun

1a. grammar.
A group of words that includes a subject and its related finite verb, and which may or may not constitute a sentence (eg if time permits and we will come tomorrow). See main clause, subordinate clause;
1b. grammar.
A group of words with a similar grammatical function, but which has no expressed subject (eg while running for the bus), no finite verb (eg time permitting), or neither a subject nor a verb (eg if possible).
2. law.
A paragraph or section in a contract, will or act of parliament.
Thesaurus: condition, requirement, codicil, ultimatum.

Derivative: clausal
adj

Etymology: 13c: from Latin claudere, clausum to close.