Words / B2

KLUST-uh/ˈklʌstə/

A cluster is a group of similar things close together: a cluster of cases; a cluster of homes. As a verb, to cluster. Group is wider; outbreak is more specific for disease. A cluster of cases closed a ward. Do not call a nationwide spread a cluster.

Meaning

A group of similar things close together; as a verb, to form that group.

Examples

• “A cluster of cases closed the ward for a week.”
• “Tech firms clustered around the station, which is the verb.”

Good to know

a cluster of; cluster together. Wider: group. Health: a cluster of cases. Stats: cluster sampling. Not a country-wide wave. Geography: a cluster of villages.

Near in meaning

group

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