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v. cleft (klĕft) or cleaved or clove (klōv), cleft or cleaved or clo·ven (klōvən), cleav·ing, cleaves v.tr. 1. To split with a sharp instrument. See Synonyms at tear1. 2. To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting: cleave a path through the ice. 3. To pierce or penetrate: The wings cleaved the foggy air. 4. Chemistry To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules. v.intr. 1. To split or be capable or splitting, especially along a natural line of division: Certain brittle woods cleave easily. 2. To penetrate or pass through something, such as water or air. [Middle English cleven, from Old English clēofan; see gleubh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] cleava·ble adj. |
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