clearing
UK: ˈklɪərɪŋ | US: ˈklɪrɪŋ
n. an open area of land in a forest where there are no trees
n. the process of removing obstacles or making something clear
n. (finance) the settling of financial transactions between banks
The word "clearing" originates from the verb "clear," which comes from Old French cler (bright, evident) and Latin clarus (clear, bright). The suffix -ing was added in Middle English to form a noun denoting the result or action of the verb. Over time, "clearing" evolved to specifically describe an open space in a forest (where trees have been "cleared") and later expanded to financial contexts (where transactions are "cleared" or settled).
We set up camp in a small clearing in the woods.
The clearing of the debris after the storm took several days.
The bank handles the clearing of checks between accounts.
A sudden clearing in the fog revealed the mountain peak.
The clearing of his name after the false accusation was a relief.