cleavage

• Nom désignant l'état de division ou de séparation, la rupture d'une liaison chimique dans une molécule, la segmentation de l'œuf fécondé en embryologie, la ligne formée par le creux entre deux parties (en particulier l'espace entre les seins d'une femme), ou l'acte de fendre ou de diviser.

A noun referring to the state of being split or divided, the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule, the repeated division of a fertilised ovum in embryology, the line formed by a groove between two parts (especially the separation between a woman's breasts), or the act of cleaving or splitting.

1. State of being splitC1formalscientific

   The condition of being divided or split apart.

   État de division

   • The cleavage of the rock was caused by extreme pressure.
   • Geologists studied the cleavage of the mineral sample.
   • The cleavage in the wood followed the grain perfectly.

   Synonymesdivisionriftruptureschismscissionseparationsplit

2. Chemical bond breakingC1formalscientific

   The process of breaking a chemical bond within a molecule, resulting in smaller molecules or fragments.

   Clivage

   • The enzyme catalyzes the cleavage of the peptide bond.
   • Hydrolytic cleavage breaks down complex molecules.
   • The reaction involves the cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond.

   Synonymesfissionfragmentationrupturesplitting

3. Embryonic cell divisionC2formalscientific

   The series of rapid cell divisions that occur in a fertilized ovum, leading to the formation of a multicellular embryo.

   Segmentation (embryologie)

   • Cleavage in the zygote begins shortly after fertilization.
   • The pattern of embryonic cleavage varies among species.
   • Abnormal cleavage can lead to developmental issues.

   Synonymessegmentation

4. Anatomical grooveB2formal

   The visible line or depression formed between two adjacent parts, especially the separation between a woman's breasts.

   Sillon intermammaire

   • The dress accentuated her cleavage.
   • She wore a necklace that rested just above her cleavage.
   • The actress's cleavage was the subject of media attention.

   Synonymescleftcreasefissurefurrowgroove

5. Act of splittingC1formalscientific

   The action or process of cleaving or splitting something apart.

   Fente, division

   • The cleavage of the diamond required a skilled craftsman.
   • The cleavage of the log was done with a sharp axe.
   • The cleavage of the cell membrane is a critical step in division.

   Synonymesdivisionfissionruptureschismscissionseparationsplitsplitting

   Antonymesattachmentconnectionfusionjoiningunion