cleavage
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the space between a woman's breasts, especially when visible above a low-cut dress.
the hollow or separation between a woman's breasts, typically as revealed by a low neckline.
Simple“She wore a dress with a low neckline that showed some cleavage.”
In context“The fashion editor noted that the gown's plunging neckline was designed to accentuate the model's cleavage without appearing overly provocative.”
UsageUsually uncountable in this sense.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a sharp division or disagreement between different groups of people.
a sharp division or split between groups, particularly regarding voting patterns, social classes, or political ideologies.
Simple“There is a clear cleavage between urban and rural voters in this election.”
In context“The political scientist argued that the primary cleavage in the country was no longer based on class but on educational attainment.”
Teacher's tipIn political science, this refers to a deep and lasting social division that creates a stable voting bloc.
- 03 C1 Advanced
the way a cell splits into smaller cells after it has been fertilized.
the series of rapid mitotic cell divisions that transform a zygote into a multicellular embryo.
Simple“The scientist watched the early stages of cell cleavage under the microscope.”
In context“During the initial stages of embryonic development, cleavage occurs without any significant increase in the total volume of the cytoplasm.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in biological contexts.
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
the way a rock or crystal naturally breaks along flat surfaces.
the tendency of a mineral or crystal to break along definite planes of structural weakness.
Simple“Diamonds have perfect cleavage, which means they can be split easily in certain directions.”
In context“The geologist identified the specimen by observing its perfect cubic cleavage and distinctive metallic lustre.”
From cleave + -age.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.