cleft

• Décrit quelque chose qui est fendu, divisé ou partiellement séparé en deux parties.

Describes something that is split, divided, or partially separated into two parts.

1. Split or dividedC1formal

   Having one or more incisions reaching nearly to the midrib, as in certain leaves.

   fendu, incisé

   • The leaf of the oak tree is deeply cleft.
   • Botanists classify this plant by its cleft leaves.
   • The cleft shape of the leaf helps identify the species.

   Synonymesclovendividedpartedsplit

• Nom désignant une fissure, une fente ou une ouverture longue et étroite dans une surface ou une structure, ou encore une dépression étroite.

A noun referring to a split, indentation, or long narrow opening in a surface or structure.

1. Anatomical splitB2formalmedical

   A split or indentation in a body part, such as the palate or chin.

   Fente anatomique

   • The baby was born with a cleft palate.
   • A cleft chin is often considered an attractive feature.
   • Surgery can correct a cleft lip.

   Synonymescrevicefissuregrooveindentationsplit

2. B2formal

   A long, narrow opening or fissure in a surface or rock.

   Fente étroite

   • Water trickled through a cleft in the rock.
   • The climber wedged his foot into a narrow cleft.
   • A small plant grew from a cleft in the stone wall.

   Synonymeschinkcrackcrevicefissurefracturegapriftsplit

• Verbe ayant deux sens opposés : fendre, séparer ou couper en deux, ou bien s'attacher fermement et fidèlement à quelque chose ou à quelqu'un.

A verb with two opposite meanings: to split or sever something, or to adhere firmly and loyally to something or someone.

verbe irrégulier

1. Split or divideB2formal

   To split or separate something, especially with a sharp tool or force.

   fendre

   • The lumberjack cleaved the log with a single stroke of his axe.
   • The lightning bolt cleaved the ancient oak tree in two.
   • The chef cleaved the chicken breast neatly down the middle.

   Synonymescutdividehewpartrendseparateseverslicesplitsunder

   Antonymesattachconnectjoinunite

2. Create by cuttingB2formal

   To make a path or opening by cutting through something.

   Fendre en coupant

   • The ship's bow cleaved a path through the icy waters.
   • The explorer cleaved a tunnel through the dense jungle.
   • The plow cleaved a furrow in the field.

   Synonymescuthewslicesplit

3. Adhere or clingB2formal

   To stick firmly to something or someone; to remain loyal or attached.

   Adhérer ou s'attacher

   • The barnacles cleaved to the hull of the ship.
   • She cleaved to her principles despite the pressure.
   • The child cleaved to his mother's hand in the crowded market.

   Synonymesadhereattachclingcoherehold faststick

   Antonymesdetachdisconnectdisjoinpartseparate