Clog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clog

[klÉ’É¡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

footwear

A type of shoe with a thick wooden sole.

Synonyms

clump, patten, sabot.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a pair of traditional wooden clogs.
  • The sound of her clogs echoed in the hallway.
Context #2 | Verb

obstruct

To block or obstruct a passage or movement.

Synonyms

block, jam, obstruct.

Examples of usage

  • The fallen tree clogged the road.
  • Hair often clogs the bathroom sink drain.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Clogs can occur in various systems, including pipes, arteries, and airways, indicating a blockage that can affect health.
  • In biology, clogs can refer to the buildup of substances in organisms, such as cholesterol accumulation in blood vessels.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of clogs is humorously depicted in cartoons where characters step into mud and get stuck, exaggerating the experience.
  • Clogs are also a popular type of footwear that originated in Europe, known for their durable wooden soles.

Health

  • Clogged arteries are a major health issue, often linked to poor diet and lack of exercise, leading to heart disease.
  • Respiratory clogs can be caused by excessive mucus, often seen in conditions like asthma or allergies, making it hard to breathe.

Slang

  • In slang, 'clog' can describe a person who is annoying or a nuisance, as in 'He's such a clog in our plans.'
  • In some regions, 'clog' also means to work heavily or laboriously, often in a humorous context.

Origin of 'clog'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'clog' comes from the Old Norse word 'klokkr,' meaning 'to block.'
  • In medieval English, it referred to wooden shoes, known as clogs, which were heavy and could feel like they blocked your feet.

The word 'clog' originated from the Dutch word 'klomp', which means a block of wood. Clogs have been worn for centuries in various cultures as protective footwear. The verb form of 'clog' evolved from the idea of something being blocked or obstructed, similar to how a physical clog can block a drain or passage.


See also: log, logger, logging, logic, login, logjam, logo, logout, logs, prologue, unlogged, weblog.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,513, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.