clean

clean · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (adjective) Free from dirt, marks, or unwanted matter.

  2. 2.

    (adjective) Morally pure; free from guilt or wrongdoing.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Free from irregularities; smooth and well-defined.

  4. 4.

    (verb) To make something free from dirt or impurities.

  5. 5.

    (adverb) Completely; entirely (informal).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    clean up — to make tidy; to make a large profit
  • •
    clean slate — a fresh start without past mistakes counting
  • •
    come clean — to confess or tell the truth
  • •
    clean as a whistle — perfectly clean or innocent
  • •
    clean sweep — a complete victory or thorough change
  • •
    keep one's hands clean — to avoid involvement in wrongdoing

Related words

Antonyms: dirty, filthy, messy, soiled
See also: dirty, pure, tidy, wash
Synonyms: hygienic, pure, spotless, tidy

Etymology

From Old English clǣne ("clean, pure, chaste, innocent"), from Proto-Germanic klainiz, possibly meaning "shining, clear." The word has maintained its core meaning of purity and absence of dirt throughout its history.