clove

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

clove

2 of 3

past tense of cleave

clove

3 of 3

noun

ˈklōv 

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum synonym Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Examples of clove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Essential oils, including tea tree, lavender, and clove oils, can also zap fungi, which eliminates excess sebum and oily hair. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

Garlic Garlic can be grown from grocery store bulbs by breaking apart the individual cloves within the bulb and planting them with the pointed side up and the wider root side down. —Alex Groves, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024

Crush the garlic clove and add it to a pan with a generous amount of olive oil (2/3 tbsp per serving). —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024

Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the reserved garlic clove, very finely chop the parsley leaves, and roughly chop the hazelnuts. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 26 Feb. 2024

Place it on a wire rack in your instant pot with garlic cloves and 1 ½ cans of beer and pressure cook it on high for 90 minutes. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2024

Stud the Ham Stud the ham with festive rows of aromatic cloves. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2024

St-Rémy Signature Banana Street Cocktail Immerse yourself in the inviting warmth of this cocktail, blending the unique flavors of St-Rémy Signature with roasted banana and clove, complemented by the depth of rye whiskey and an intriguing hint of absinthe. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2024

Mash together a small glug of olive oil, half a dozen garlic cloves and a tablespoon of coarse salt with a mortar and pestle, blender or food processor. —Lucinda Scala Quinn, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

Noun

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clove

• clove hitch
• clove pink

Kids Definition

clove

1 of 3 noun

ˈklōv 

: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb

a clove of garlic

clove

2 of 3

past of cleave

clove

3 of 3 noun

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree related to the myrtle that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil

also : this tree

Etymology

Noun

Old English clufu "clove, bulb"

Noun

Middle English clowe "clove bud," from early French clou, shortened form of the phrase clou de girofle, literally, "nail of clove," from Latin clavus "nail"

Medical Definition

clove

noun

ˈklōv 

1

a

: the pungent fragrant aromatic reddish brown dried flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields clove oil

b

: a spice consisting of whole or ground cloves

—usually used in plural

2

: the tree that is the source of cloves and is probably native to the Moluccas but is now widely cultivated in the tropics