cleavage

cleav·age

noun \ˈklē-vij\

Definition of CLEAVAGE

1

a : the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting along definite planes; also : the occurrence of such splitting

b : a fragment (as of a diamond) obtained by splitting

2

: the action of cleaving : the state of being cleft

3

: the series of synchronized mitotic cell divisions of a fertilized egg that results in the formation of the blastomeres and changes the single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo; also : one of these cell divisions

4

: the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules

5

: the depression between a woman's breasts especially when made visible by a low-cut neckline

Examples of CLEAVAGE

1. The dress is cut low enough to reveal a lot of cleavage.
2. the cleavage between the rich and poor
3. the cleavages of an egg as an embryo develops

First Known Use of CLEAVAGE

1816

Related to CLEAVAGE

Synonyms

bifurcation, breakup, separation, dissolution, disunion, division, fractionalization, fractionation, partition, schism, scission, split, sundering

Antonyms

unification, union

Related Words

breach, rupture; divorce, severance; decomposition, disassembly, dismemberment, segmentation, subdivision; atomization, dichotomization, polarization; diffusion, dispersal, dispersion, scattering; administration, apportionment, distribution; isolation, seclusion, segregation, sequestration

Near Antonyms

assemblage, association; attachment, conjunction, connection, link, linkage, linkup; aggregation, combination, consolidation, fusion

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

cleav·age

noun \ˈklē-vij\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CLEAVAGE

1

: the series of synchronized mitotic cell divisions of the fertilized egg that results in the formation of the blastomeres and changes the single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo; also : one of these cell divisions

2

: the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules

cleavage

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Tendency of a crystalline substance to split into fragments bounded by plane surfaces. Cleavage surfaces are seldom as flat as crystal faces, but the angles between them are highly characteristic and valuable in identifying a crystalline material. Cleavage occurs on planes where the atomic bonding forces are weakest; for example, galena cleaves parallel to all faces of a cube. Cleavage is described by its direction (as cubic, prismatic, basal) and by the ease with which it is produced. A perfect cleavage produces smooth, lustrous surfaces. Other degrees include distinct, imperfect, and difficult. See also fracture.