clusterets

Clusteret is a term encountered in some discussions of clustering, network analysis, and ecology to designate a small, cohesive grouping that forms a subunit within a larger cluster or system. The word combines cluster with the diminutive suffix -et, signaling a miniature or subordinate aggregation.

In data analysis, a clusteret refers to a subcluster identified inside a larger cluster. Recognizing clusterets can expose internal heterogeneity and gradations of similarity, and they can be found through hierarchical clustering, subspace clustering, or density-based subdivision approaches.

In network science, clusterets denote tight-knit subgraphs or communities embedded in a broader network. Studying clusterets helps analyze local dynamics, information flow, or vulnerability within the larger structure.

The term is not widely standardized and may be used differently across disciplines. When used, it typically contrasts with a full cluster or module, emphasizing scale and subunit structure.

See also: clustering, community detection, subcluster.