Need another word for Cleavage? Use these synonyms of Cleavage from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
separation
division
split
partition
rift
fracture
break
breach
fissure
cleft
chasm
gap
opening
rift
rupture
severance
fragmentation
detachment
disjunction
dissociation
disconnection
dichotomy
bifurcation
schism
cleavage plane
fault line
fracture line
breakage
splintering
cracking
shattering
splinter
fragment
shard
crack
flaw
defect
weakness
fault
failing
frailty
vulnerability
Meaning of Cleavage
The primary meaning of the word "cleavage" refers to the act or process of splitting or dividing something, or a split or division in something.
Definitions
- The act or process of splitting or dividing something, especially along a natural line or plane of weakness
- A split or division in something, especially one that is caused by a difference of opinion or a break in relations
- Biology: the process by which a cell divides into two or more daughter cells
- Geology: a plane or line of fracture in a rock, especially one that is caused by the action of stress or pressure
Etymology of Cleavage
The word "cleavage" comes from the Old French word "clivage", which is derived from the Latin word "clivus", meaning "slope" or "inclination"
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of splitting or dividing something, and has since been adopted in various fields such as biology, geology, and physics to describe specific types of division or separation
Example Uses
- The cleavage of the cell into two daughter cells is a critical process in the development of living organisms
- The cleavage of the rock along the fault line caused a significant earthquake
- The cleavage between the two groups of people was caused by a difference of opinion on a critical issue
- The fashion designer emphasized the cleavage of the model's dress to create a dramatic effect