clog
pronunciation
How to pronounce clog in British English:
UK [klɒɡ]
How to pronounce clog in American English:
US [klɑːɡ]
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- Noun:
- footwear usually with wooden soles
- any object that acts as a hindrance or obstruction
- a dance performed while wearing clogs; has heavy stamping steps
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- Verb:
- become or cause to become obstructed
- dance a clog dance
- impede the motion of, as with a chain or a burden
- impede with a clog or as if with a clog
- coalesce or unite in a mass
- fill to excess so that function is impaired
Word Origin
- clog (n.)
- early 14c., clogge "a lump of wood," origin unknown. Also used in Middle English of large pieces of jewelry and large testicles. Compare Norwegian klugu "knotty log of wood." Meaning "anything that impedes action" is from 1520s. The sense of "wooden-soled shoe" is first recorded late 14c.; they were used as overshoes until the introduction of rubbers c. 1840. Originally all wood (hence the name), later wooden soles with leather uppers for the front of the foot only. Later revived in fashion (c. 1970), primarily for women. Clog-dancing is attested from 1863.
- clog (v.)
- late 14c., "hinder," originally by fastening a block of wood to something, from clog (n.). Meaning "choke up with extraneous matter" is 17c. Related: Clogged; clogging.
Example
- 1. These false complainants clog up the legal system .
- 2. Office towers shoot up , and the audis clog the roads .
- 3. They can clog up plumbing and latex , when in water , is not biodegradable .
- 4. The fine , glassy particles that make up volcanic ash scour airplane windows and can clog and stall jet engines .
- 5. Eggs are rich in cholesterol , which in high amounts can clog arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke .