How to Pronounce Cluster
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Cluster Pronunciation
KLUS-ter
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
KLUS
stress here
ter
2 syllables
What is Cluster?
An aggregation of cases of a disease in a specific geographic location or time period that may be greater than expected, prompting investigation for a common source or mechanism of transmission. Clusters may be the first indicator of an outbreak and often lead to identification of new pathogens, transmission routes, or environmental hazards.
Questions About Cluster
How do you pronounce 'cluster'?
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Cluster is pronounced KLUS-ter. The first syllable rhymes with "plus," and the second syllable sounds like "tur" (as in the end of "butter"). Put them together: KLUS-tur.
Which syllable is stressed in 'cluster'?
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The first syllable is stressed, so you say it louder and longer: KLUS-ter, not klus-TER. A common mistake is putting the stress on the second syllable, but that's not correct.
How many syllables does 'cluster' have?
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Cluster has two syllables: CLUS-ter. Breaking it into parts helps you remember how to pronounce it correctly.
What does 'cluster' mean in plain English?
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A cluster is a group of similar things gathered closely together. In medical language, it refers to several cases of a disease appearing in the same area or time period, which helps doctors notice patterns.
Where does the word 'cluster' come from?
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Cluster comes from Old English and is related to words meaning "to bunch" or "to gather." It's not a Latin or Greek medical term—it's a regular English word that doctors use because it perfectly describes things grouped together.
What is a common mispronunciation of 'cluster'?
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Some people say KLUS-ster (with an extra 's' sound) or klus-TER (with stress on the second syllable). The correct way is KLUS-ter with a soft 't' sound and stress on the first syllable.
Can you use 'cluster' in a sentence?
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Sure! You might hear: "Doctors noticed a cluster of cases in one neighborhood and began investigating what might be causing them." This sentence shows how the word describes a group of similar cases appearing together.
Are there related words that use 'cluster'?
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Yes—you might hear "clustered" (meaning grouped together) or "clustering" (the process of grouping). These words all come from the same root and are pronounced similarly, with stress on the first syllable.