clearance

noun

• 1the action or process of clearing or of being dispersed:cleaning of the machine should include clearance of blockages there will be sunny intervals after clearance of any early mist
• the removal of buildings, people, or trees from land so as to free it for alternative uses:slum clearance accelerated during the 1960s [count noun]:forest clearances
• (also house clearance) the removal of contents from a house: the sheriff’s officers supervised the house clearance [count noun]:antiques wanted and clearances undertaken
• [count noun] (in soccer and other sports) a kick or hit that sends the ball away from one’s goal: Nilsson made two goal line clearances to keep out Tottenham’s attackers
• [count noun] Snooker the potting of all the balls remaining on the table in a single break: a plant which let in Hendry for a clearance of 96

• 2official authorization for something to proceed or take place:the aircraft hadn’t got diplomatic clearance to land in Mexico
• (also security clearance) official permission for someone to have access to classified information:these people don’t have clearance
• permission for an aircraft to take off or land at an airport:he took off without air traffic clearance
• (also customs clearance) the clearing of a person or ship by customs:when you arrive at the continental airport you will be required to obtain customs clearance
• [count noun] a certificate showing that customs clearance has been granted.
• the process of clearing cheques through a clearing house.

• 3clear space allowed for a thing to move past or under another:always give cyclists plenty of clearance