cleft

¹cleft

noun \ˈkleft\

Definition of CLEFT

1

: a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : fissure

2

: a usually V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances <the anal cleft of the human body>

Examples of CLEFT

1. The river begins as a trickle of water from a cleft in the rock.
2. He has a distinctive cleft in his chin.

Origin of CLEFT

Middle English clift, from Old English geclyft; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CLEFT

Synonyms: check, chink, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift, split

Related Words: crevasse; craze, hairline; fracture, rupture; breach, gap, opening; cut, gash, incision, slit

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Rhymes with CLEFT

deft, eft, heft, klepht, left, theft, weft