clearing

clear-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An open space in a forest where trees have been removed or do not grow.

  2. 2.

    The process of removing obstructions or making something clear.

  3. 3.

    (finance) The process of settling transactions between banks or financial institutions.

Forms

plural: clearings

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    clearing house — an institution that facilitates financial transactions
  • •
    clearing bank — a bank that uses a clearing house
  • •
    land clearing — removing vegetation from land

Related words

Antonyms: forest, thicket, woods
See also: clear, forest, glade, meadow
Synonyms: glade, meadow, opening

Etymology

From the verb "clear" plus the suffix "-ing," which creates a noun denoting an action or its result. The forest sense developed from cleared land, while the financial sense emerged in the 19th century with modern banking.