How Do You Spell CLEAVAGE?

Pronunciation: [klˈiːvɪd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The word "cleavage" is spelled with two syllables, pronounced /ˈkleɪvədʒ/. The first syllable, "kl," is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, like in "cat." The second syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound, like in "bake," followed by a "v" sound, and then a soft "j" sound, like in "joy." This word is often used to describe the separation between two parts of something, such as a rock or a molecule, but is commonly associated with the appearance of a woman's breasts.

CLEAVAGE Meaning and Definition

1. Cleavage is a noun that refers to the act or process of splitting or dividing something into two distinct parts, typically in a clean and precise manner. It can also pertain to the natural or artificial indentation or fissure formed by such splitting, particularly in biological contexts.

   In geology, cleavage describes the tendency of minerals or rocks to break along preferred planes of weakness, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces. It is determined by the internal atomic structure of the mineral and can significantly affect its physical properties and uses.

   In biology, cleavage signifies the early stages of cell division, particularly in embryos or cells undergoing mitosis. During this process, a parent cell splits into two or more daughter cells, establishing an initial framework for further growth and development.

   Cleavage can additionally refer to the separation or indentation formed between a person's breasts when a garment is low-cut or improperly fitted. This definition is often associated with women's clothing and emphasizes the visible division between the two breasts.

   Socially, the term "cleavage" may be used metaphorically to describe a divisive or contentious separation between groups or individuals, highlighting disagreements, conflicts, or the presence of adversarial views.

   Overall, the term "cleavage" holds various definitions across different scientific, biological, and social contexts, primarily centered around the act of splitting or dividing entities.

2. 1. The splitting up of a complex molecule into two or more simpler molecules. 2. Segmentation of the vitellus, yolk-c.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. That structure in many stratified rocks, such as clay-slate, which renders them capable of being split indefinitely into thin plates.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CLEAVAGE *

• clevage 75.8241758%
• clevege 8.7912087%
• cleaveage 7.6923076%
• cleveage 3.2967032%
• cleavege 2.1978021%
• cleavge 2.1978021%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CLEAVAGE

• coleaage
• cleevage
• cleavag
• cleavges
• claevage
• chevvage
• Chavage
• clarage
• cleavared
• clivage
• cleauge
• cleeage
• Cleaviger
• Cleatae

Etymology of CLEAVAGE

The word "cleavage" has its etymological roots in the Old French term "clef", meaning "key". In the 15th century, the word "cleave" was used to describe the act of splitting or dividing, originating from the Old English word "cleofan". Over time, "cleave" developed different meanings, including "to adhere or cling to" and "to divide or split apart". By the late 19th century, the term "cleavage" began to be used in its current sense of referring to the distinct separation or division of body parts, particularly in reference to the division between the breasts.

Similar spelling words for CLEAVAGE

• Clabaugh,
• cleaves.

Plural form of CLEAVAGE is CLEAVAGES