Main Entry:

cleav·ers

Pronunciation:

\ˈklē-vərz\

Function:

noun plural but singular or plural in construction

Etymology:

Middle English clivre, alteration of Old English clife burdock, cleavers; akin to Old English clifian

Date:

14th century

: an annual bedstraw (Galium aparine) having many stalked white flowers and stems covered with curved prickles ; also : any of several related plants