Origin: French suffix -age
Cleavage has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
the state of being split or cleft
"there was a cleavage between the liberal and conservative members"
the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule resulting in smaller molecules
"The enzyme catalyzes cleavage within the peptide chain, splitting the large protein into two distinct functional fragments."
(embryology) the repeated division of a fertilised ovum
"The embryologist carefully studied the microscope slide to observe the cleavage stages as the fertilized ovum divided repeatedly."
the line formed by a groove between two parts (especially the separation between a woman's breasts)
"The plunging neckline of her dress drew attention to the deep cleavage created where her chest met."
the act of cleaving or splitting
"The geologist studied the rock's cleavage to determine how easily it would split along its natural planes."
The act of cleaving or the state of being cleft.
"The geologist studied the rock's cleavage to determine how it would fracture when struck by a hammer."