Cluster

Definition

Cluster refers to a group of similar things or people positioned or occurring closely together. In various fields, it can describe anything from a group of stars or galaxies in astronomy to a collection of data points in statistics or a group of objects in any physical or abstract space.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklʌstər/
• Respelling: KLUS-tər

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklʌstər/
• Respelling: KLUS-tuh

Etymology

The word "cluster" originates from the Old English word "clyster," which means a bunch or group. It is related to the Old Norse "klungr," meaning a tangle. The modern sense of the word began to evolve in the 16th century, used to describe things grouped together.

Derivatives

• Clustered (adjective)
• Clustering (noun)
• Clusterer (noun)
• Recluster (verb)
• Cluster-like (adjective)

Synonyms

• Group
• Bunch
• Gathering

Antonyms

• Scatter
• Disperse
• Isolate

Usage

The term "cluster" is widely used in different fields. In astronomy, it refers to a group of stars or galaxies, such as "a star cluster." In business or economics, a cluster can refer to a geographical concentration of interconnected businesses, such as "a technology cluster." It can also describe the formation of similar items together, such as "a cluster of grapes." As a verb, it describes the action of things coming together, such as "people clustered around the speaker."

Related Terms

• Aggregation: A collection or the formation of a number of things into a cluster.
• Concentration: The density or closeness of similar objects or ideas.
• Group: A number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group of similar things positioned closely together: Refers to things that are situated together, whether in a physical space or as abstract concepts.
  • Example: "The company is part of a cluster of tech startups in the area."
• A group of stars or galaxies: In astronomy, it describes a group of stars that appear close together in space.
  • Example: "They observed a bright cluster of galaxies through the telescope."

Verb

• To gather or form into a group: Refers to the action of things or people coming together into a group.
  • Example: "People clustered around the monument for a better view."