Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kluː/

Definitions

• A ball of thread or yarn, often used in the context of winding or unwinding.
• A bundle or small ball of thread or cord used as a guiding mechanism or to mark a path, often in the context of solving a maze or puzzle.
• In historical or nautical contexts, a clew refers to the lower corners of a sail.

Usage Examples

• "She followed the clew of yarn back to the beginning of the maze."
• "The sailor adjusted the clew of the sail to catch the wind more effectively."
• "The clew of thread helped the knitter finish the project without losing her place."

Etymology

The word 'clew' is derived from Middle English 'clew' or 'clue,' which in turn comes from the Old Norse word 'klǫfi,' meaning a ball of thread or yarn. The modern figurative sense of 'clew' as something that helps to guide or direct comes from the ancient use of a thread or yarn as a means of finding one's way out of a labyrinth or maze.

Synonyms

• Thread
• Yarn
• Guide
• Clue
• Ball

Antonyms

• Confusion
• Obstacle
• Disorder
• Lost

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /kluː/
• American English: /kluː/

Historical Usage

The word 'clew' has a long history, dating back to ancient times. In mythology, the clew of thread was famously used by the hero Theseus to navigate the Labyrinth and find his way out after slaying the Minotaur. Over time, the word 'clew' evolved to mean any kind of guiding mechanism or helpful indicator, not just related to physical threads but also used metaphorically as 'clue' in modern language.

Cultural Nuances

The term 'clew' is often associated with the idea of finding one's way, whether literally through a maze or metaphorically in life. In modern English, 'clew' is less commonly used, though 'clue' remains a popular term. The connection between a physical ball of thread and a solution or path continues to be a powerful image in literature and storytelling.

More Information

While the word 'clew' is largely archaic in modern usage, it still has strong ties to nautical terminology and the broader mechanical world. Sailors used 'clews' to describe the lower corners of sails, which were tied off with rope to adjust the sail's shape. In the context of yarn or thread, the clew symbolized both practical utility and a means to navigate, whether in the physical world or in intellectual pursuits. The word has evolved from a concrete object into an abstract metaphor for any guiding element, often referring to the beginnings of a solution or path forward in a problem-solving context.