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clev·is

(klĕvĭs)

A U-shaped metal piece with holes in each end through which a pin or bolt is run, used as a fastening device.

[From clevi, possibly of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse klofi, cleft; see gleubh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

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clevis

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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