cling

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit
  2. verb come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
  3. verb to remain emotionally or intellectually attached

Etymology

From Middle English clingen, from Old English clingan (“to adhere”), from Proto-West Germanic *klingan, from Proto-Germanic *klinganą. Cognate with Danish klynge (“to cluster, to crowd”). Compare clump.

In classic literature

Synonyms

clingstone

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