Clump

/klʌmp/ noun

Definition

A thick, compact group or mass of something, like dirt, plants, or people standing close together.

Etymology

From Middle Low German 'klumpe,' related to Dutch 'klom.' The word appeared in English around the 17th century and originally described solid, heavy masses.

Kelly Says

A 'clump' of trees actually has a special ecological meaning—scientists study whether trees grow in clumps naturally or because animals planted them through seed dispersal, which tells us about forest history!

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