v., cleft (klĕft), or cleaved, or clove (klōv), cleft, or cleaved, or clo·ven (klō'vən), cleav·ing, cleaves. v.tr.
- To split with or as if with a sharp instrument. See synonyms at tear1.
- To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting: cleave a path through the ice.
- To pierce or penetrate: The wings cleaved the foggy air.
- Chemistry. To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules.
- Mineralogy. To split or separate, especially along a natural line of division.
- To penetrate or pass through something, such as water or air.
[Middle English cleven, from Old English clēofan.]
cleavable cleav'a·ble adj.cleave2 (klēv)
intr.v., cleaved, cleav·ing, cleaves.
- To adhere, cling, or stick fast.
- To be faithful: cleave to one's principles.
[Middle English cleven, from Old English cleofian.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
