cleave
1 (klēv)
[Middle English cleven, from Old English clēofan.]
verb: cleft (klĕft) or cleaved or clove (klōv), cleft or cleaved or clo·ven (klṓvən), cleav·ing, cleaves.
transitive verb
- 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.
intransitive verb
- Mineralogy To split or separate, especially along a natural line of division.
- To penetrate or pass through something, such as water or air.
derivatives
- cleav́a·ble
- adjective
cleave
2 (klēv)
[Middle English cleven, from Old English cleofian.]
intransitive verb: cleaved, cleav·ing, cleaves.
- To adhere, cling, or stick fast.
- To be faithful: cleave to one's principles.
