Dictionary
clear•ance
Pronunciation: (klēr'uns), [key]—
n.
1. the act of clearing.
2. the distance between two objects; an amount of clear space:
The bridge allowed a clearance of 37 feet at mean high water.
3. a formal authorization permitting access to classified information, documents, etc.
4. Also called clear'ance sale". the disposal of merchandise at reduced prices to make room for new goods:
He bought the coat for half price at a clearance.
5. a clear space; a clearing:
The house stood in a clearance among the trees.
6. Banking.an exchange of checks and other commercial paper drawn on members of a clearinghouse, usually effected at a daily meeting of the members.
7. Mach.a space between two moving parts, left to avoid clashing or to permit relatively free motion.
8. the angle between a face of a cutting tool, as a lathe tool, and the work.
9. Naut.
a. the clearing of a ship at a port.
b. Also called
clear'ance pa"pers. the official papers certifying this.
10. Med.a test of the excretory function of the kidneys based on the volume of blood that is cleared of a specific substance per minute by renal excretion.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
