clarification

American  

[klar-uh-fuh-key-shuhn] / ˌklær ə fəˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of making an idea or statement clear.

   You may use a pencil to circle words, passages, or phrases that you don't understand or that need clarification.

2. the removal of solid matter from a liquid so that it is clear or translucent.

   The clarification of butter involves first melting it and then getting rid of all milk solids, leaving behind pure saturated fat.

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Other Word Forms

• nonclarification noun

Etymology

Origin of clarification

First recorded in 1570–80, for an earlier sense; from Latin clārificātiōn-, stem of clārificātiō “a making clear,” from clārificāre “to make clear”; clarify ( def. ), -fication ( def. )

Example Sentences

Why worry about the occasional clarification from a robot umpire?

From The Wall Street Journal

Iranian diplomats said the remark wasn’t intended as a threat but as clarification of Iran’s assessment.

From The Wall Street Journal

The BBC has requested clarification from the Angolan prosecution about this and other inconsistencies, but received no response.

From BBC

The clarification was issued after questions were raised by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar over the role of politicians in the decision-making process.

From BBC

Mercedes welcomed the ruling for providing "a clarification of our democratic system".

From Barron's

Related Words

• description
• interpretation
• resolution
• simplification