clustering

a number of things of the same kind, growing or held together; a bunch: a cluster of grapes.

a group of things or persons close together: There was a cluster of tourists at the gate.

U.S. Army. a small metal design placed on a ribbon representing an awarded medal to indicate that the same medal has been awarded again: oak-leaf cluster.

Phonetics. a succession of two or more contiguous consonants in an utterance, as the str- cluster of strap.

Astronomy. a group of neighboring stars, held together by mutual gravitation, that have essentially the same age and composition and thus supposedly a common origin. Compare globular cluster, open cluster, stellar association.

to gather into a cluster or clusters.

to furnish or cover with clusters.

to form a cluster or clusters: The people clustered around to watch.