Clew: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งถ
clew
[ kluห ]
navigation, clue
A clew is a ball of thread or yarn. In a nautical context, it refers to a line used to haul a sail or a rope. It can also signify a clue or piece of evidence that helps to solve a problem or find one's way.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She followed the clew of yarn through the maze.
- The detective found a clew that led to the suspect.
- In Greek mythology, Theseus used a clew to navigate the Labyrinth.
- He ensured the clew was secure before setting sail.
- They unraveled the clew to understand the mystery.
Translations
Translations of the word "clew" in other languages:
๐ต๐น novelo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฒเฅเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Knรคuel
๐ฎ๐ฉ benang
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะปัะฑะพะบ
๐ต๐ฑ kลฤbek
๐ฏ๐ต ็ณธ็
๐ซ๐ท pelote
๐ช๐ธ ovillo
๐น๐ท yumak
๐ฐ๐ท ์คํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฎูุท
๐จ๐ฟ klubko
๐ธ๐ฐ klbko
๐จ๐ณ ็บฟๅข
๐ธ๐ฎ klobฤiฤ
๐ฎ๐ธ hnรบtur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แซแแคแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ gรผlษล
๐ฒ๐ฝ ovillo
Etymology
The word 'clew' traces its origins back to Old English 'clew' or 'cliwe', which means 'a ball of thread'. This word is related to the Middle Dutch 'kluwe' meaning 'a ball or cluster'. It has ties to the Proto-Germanic '*klewล', which also denotes something that is round or a ball. The term gained popularity especially due to the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, where Ariadne gives Theseus a clew to navigate the Labyrinth, symbolizing the idea of guidance and finding one's way through confusion. Over time, 'clew' evolved to also encompass the concept of a clue, reflecting its dual significance in navigation and problem-solving.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #29,428, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 29425 reallocate
- 29426 unpolluted
- 29427 scrunched
- 29428 clew
- 29429 finch
- 29430 mutilate
- 29431 jumpy
- ...