clump
She found a clump of mud on her shoe.
A small mass of mud stuck to her shoe.
A compact mass of something, typically without a definite shape.
A clump of grass grew between the cracks in the pavement.
A small, dense cluster of grass.
The snow formed clumps on the branches.
The snow stuck together in irregular masses.
Often implies an irregular or loose grouping rather than a tight cluster.
To form or gather into a compact mass.
The mud clumped together under her boots.
The mud stuck together in a solid mass.
Dust clumps easily in corners.
Dust tends to gather into small, compact groups.
Used both transitively and intransitively.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'lump'
'Clump' suggests an irregular or loose grouping, while 'lump' can imply a single, more solid mass. Compare: 'a lump of sugar' (solid) vs. 'a clump of grass' (loose).
Gold Rule
Use 'clump' for natural groupings
Prefer 'clump' for organic or irregular masses (e.g., clumps of hair, clumps of snow). For geometric or precise shapes, use 'block' or 'chunk'.
Word Origin
Late 16th century (as a verb): from Middle Low German klump 'lump,' related to lump.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'clump' often describes something organic or natural (e.g., plants, mud). As a verb, it emphasizes the process of sticking together. Avoid using it for precise or geometric shapes.