Clue
/kluː/noun
A piece of evidence or information used in the solution of a problem or mystery.
Did you know?The word 'clue' originates from 'clew', meaning a ball of yarn or thread, which was used in Greek mythology by Theseus to navigate the Minotaur's labyrinth!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷʌl-
“to bind or tie together”
Old English
Old English
clew
“a ball of thread or yarn”
Middle English
Middle English
clew(e)
“a ball of thread; a guide or hint”
Late 14th Century
Middle English
clue
“a hint or suggestion, especially in solving a mystery”
Modern English
English
clue
“a piece of evidence or information that helps solve a problem or mystery”