WordWeb Online

1. Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
   "cleave the bone"
   - split, rive [archaic]
    
2. Make by cutting into
   "The water is going to cleave a channel into the rock"
    
3. Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
   "The dress cleaves to her body"
   - cling, adhere, stick, cohere

Derived forms: clove, cleaving, cloven, cleaves, cleaved

See also: cleavage, cleaver, cleft

Type of: adjoin, contact, create, make, meet, tear, touch

Encyclopedia: Cleave