Final answer:
A context clue is information in the surrounding text that helps identify the meaning of a word or phrase. It is used to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words based on the context in which they appear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase that describes a context clue is C) Information in the surrounding text that helps identify the meaning of a word or phrase. Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. They are often provided in the form of synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations that appear near the word that may not be immediately clear.
When encountering a new word, looking at the words and sentences around it can help to unlock its meaning. For example, if the sentence reads, 'The ground was covered with a blanket of hoarfrost'; the context clues here are 'covered' and 'blanket', suggesting that hoarfrost is a layer of something, which can help you deduce that it relates to frost or a type of ice.