clusters

10 definitions • 13 examples

a group of similar things that are close together, sometimes surrounding something:

cluster of Have a look at the cluster of galaxies in this photograph.

There was a cluster of fans around him, asking for autographs.

a group of two or more consonant sounds that are pronounced together with no vowel sound between them:

The /str/ at the beginning of "stray" is a cluster.

consonant cluster The word "glimpsed" ends with the consonant cluster /mpst/.

(of a group of similar things or people) to form a group, sometimes by surrounding something or someone, or to make something do this:

cluster around People clustered around the noticeboard to read the exam results.

cluster together The hens cluster together at the sight of strangers, going quiet.

to form or gather together:

All his grandchildren clustered around him.

a group of similar things growing or held together, or a group of people or things that are close together:

dense clusters of delicate pink blossoms

This section of town has a large cluster of fast-food restaurants.

a group of similar things that are close together in a small area:

There is a cluster of hi-tech businesses in the city's industrial park.

a group of similar events that happen within a small area or among a small group of people:

The study will look at an apparent cancer cluster among workers at the factory.

a group of computers connected together to work as one larger computer and to improve their performance

to happen a lot in the same small area or in the same way:

Most young firms tend to cluster in the finance, IT, telecoms, and retail industries.

to stand or be positioned close together in a group:

People clustered around the noticeboard to read the announcement.