Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈklʌstər/

Definitions

• Noun: A group of things of the same type that are close together.
• Noun: A cluster of stars, or a group of similar objects, often used in astronomy and computing.
• Verb: To gather or come together in a cluster.

Usage Examples

• The village is surrounded by a cluster of trees.
• A cluster of stars forms a galaxy.
• People clustered together in the corner of the room.

Etymology

The word "cluster" comes from Middle English "clustren," meaning "to gather or crowd together," and is related to the Old English "clyster," meaning "a mass or bunch."

Synonyms

• Bunch
• Group
• Collection
• Gathering
• Assembly

Antonyms

• Single
• Individual
• Isolated
• Dispersed

Translations

Indian Languages Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "cluster" is generally pronounced similarly across different English-speaking regions, though some accents might pronounce the "u" sound more rounded or less pronounced in informal speech.

Historical Usage

Originally, the word "cluster" referred to any closely grouped items, often in the context of agricultural products like grapes. Over time, its usage expanded to include terms in science and technology, such as "star clusters" or "data clusters" in computing.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the idea of a "cluster" symbolizes unity and strength, as people often come together in groups for common purposes, such as celebrations, protests, or community events. The visual imagery of clusters also appears in art, where grouping of elements creates harmony and balance.

More Information

Clusters are essential in various fields such as astronomy, where they refer to groups of stars or galaxies bound by gravity, and in computing, where "data clustering" is a method of grouping similar data points. The term is also used in everyday language to describe anything that is grouped together, whether it’s a bunch of flowers or a cluster of people in a crowd.