ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cleavage

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɫivədʒ// UK //klˈiːvɪdʒ// cleav·age

n. the division of something into two parts. In biology, it refers to a cell splitting during growth. In everyday speech, it often refers to the visible line between a woman's breasts.

n. the act or process of dividing into parts; in biology, the division of a cell nucleus and cytoplasm. In general usage, it refers to a split or separation, particularly the visible division between the breasts.


SIMPLE

The cell undergoes cleavage to form two new cells.

CONTEXTUAL

There is a deep political cleavage between the two parties on this issue.

COMPLEX

The rapid cleavage of the fertilized egg marks the beginning of embryonic development, establishing the cellular foundation for the organism.

Synonyms
Origin

From cleave + -age.

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