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clue

 - 5 dictionary results

clue

[kloo] noun, verb, clued, clu⋅ing.
–noun
1. anything that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem, mystery, etc.
2. clew (defs. 1–4, 6, 12).
–verb (used with object)
3. to direct or point out by a clue.
4. clew (def. 7).
5. clue in,
a. to provide with useful or reliable information: Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.
b. to make familiar or aware: Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?

Origin:
var. sp. of clew


1. sign, hint, trace, evidence, mark, key.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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clew 1   (klōō)   
n.  
  1. A ball of yarn or thread.

  2. Greek Mythology The ball of thread used by Theseus to find his way out of the labyrinth.

  3. clews The cords by which a hammock is suspended.

  4. also clue Nautical

    1. One of the two lower corners of a square sail.

    2. The lower aft corner of a fore-and-aft sail.

    3. A metal loop attached to the lower corner of a sail.

tr.v.   clewed, clew·ing, clews
  1. To roll or coil into a ball.

  2. also clue Nautical To raise the lower corners of (a square sail) by means of clew lines. Used with up.


[Middle English clewe, from Old English cliwen.]
clue 1   (klōō)   
n.  Something that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem or mystery.
tr.v.   clued, clue·ing or clu·ing, clues
To give (someone) guiding information: Clue me in on what's happening.

[Variant of clew1 (from Theseus's use of a ball of thread as a guide through the Cretan labyrinth).]
clue 2   (klōō)   
n.  Variant of clew1.
v.  Variant of clew1.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

clue 
phonetic variant of clew (q.v.) "a ball of thread or yarn," with reference to the one Theseus used as a guide out of the Labyrinth. The purely figurative sense of "that which points the way" is from 1628. Clueless is from 1862.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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