clump
UK: klʌmp | US: klʌmp
n. a compact mass or group of things, especially of plants or dirt
vi. to form into a thick, heavy mass or group
vt. to arrange or gather into a clump
The word "clump" originates from Middle English clompe, meaning "lump" or "mass," likely of Germanic origin. It is related to Dutch klomp (lump, block) and German Klumpen (clod, lump). The word evokes the sound or visual impression of a heavy, dense grouping, reflecting its onomatopoeic or imitative roots. Over time, it retained its core meaning of a compact aggregation, applied to both natural (e.g., clumps of grass) and abstract groupings.
A clump of trees stood at the edge of the field.
The dirt clumped together after the rain.
She clumped the clay into a rough shape.
His boots clumped loudly on the wooden floor.
The gardener removed a clump of weeds from the flowerbed.