1. cleavage(n = noun.state) - the state of being split or cleft; "there was a cleavage between the liberal and conservative members"
is a kind of state
2. cleavage(n = noun.process) - the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule resulting in smaller molecules;
is a kind of chemical action, chemical change, chemical process
3. cleavage(n = noun.process) segmentation - (embryology) the repeated division of a fertilised ovum;
is a kind of cell division, cellular division
is a part of gestation, maternity, pregnancy
4. cleavage(n = noun.body) - the line formed by a groove between two parts (especially the separation between a woman's breasts);
is a kind of area, region
5. cleavage(n = noun.act) - the act of cleaving or splitting;
is a kind of division
Derived form verb cleave1
1. The act of cleaving or splitting. [1913 Webster]
2. The quality possessed by many crystallized substances of splitting readily in one or more definite directions, in which the cohesive attraction is a minimum, affording more or less smooth surfaces; the direction of the dividing plane; a fragment obtained by cleaving, as of a diamond. See Parting. [1913 Webster]
3. Division into laminæ, like slate, with the lamination not necessarily parallel to the plane of deposition; -- usually produced by pressure. [1913 Webster]
cleavage, n.
1 the hollow between a woman's breasts, esp. as exposed by a low-cut garment.
2 a division or splitting.
3 the splitting of rocks, crystals, etc., in a preferred direction.
N disjunction, disconnection, disunity, disunion, disassociation, disengagement, discontinuity, abjunction, cataclasm, inconnection, abstraction, abstractedness, isolation, insularity, insulation, oasis, island, separateness, severalty, disjecta membra, dispersion, apportionment, separation, parting, circumcision, detachment, segregation, divorce, sejunction, seposition, diduction, diremption, discerption, elision, caesura, break, fracture, division, subdivision, rupture, compartition, dismemberment, dislocation, luxation, severance, disseverance, scission, rescission, abscission, laceration, dilaceration, disruption, abruption, avulsion, divulsion, section, resection, cleavage, fission, partibility, separability, fissure, breach, rent, split, rift, crack, slit, incision, dissection anatomy, decomposition, cutting instrument, buzzsaw, circular saw, rip saw, separatist, disjoined, discontinuous, multipartite, abstract, disjunctive, secant, isolated, insular, separate, disparate, discrete, apart, asunder, far between, loose, free, unattached, unannexed, unassociated, unconnected, distinct, adrift, straggling, rift, reft, scissile, divisible, discerptible, partible, separable, separately, one by one, severally, apart, adrift, asunder, in twain, in the abstract, abstractedly.
N texture, structure (form), organization, anatomy, frame, mold, fabric, construction, framework, carcass, architecture, stratification, cleavage, substance, stuff, compages, parenchyma, constitution, staple, organism, organography, osteology, myology, splanchnology, neurology, angiography, adeology, angiography, adenography, texture, surface texture, intertexture, contexture, tissue, grain, web, surface, warp and woof, warp and weft, tooth, nap, flatness (smoothness), fineness of grain, coarseness of grain, dry goods, silk, satin, muslin, burlap, histology, structural, organic, anatomic, anatomical, textural, textile, fine grained, coarse grained, fine, delicate, subtile, gossamery, filmy, silky, satiny, coarse, homespun, rough, gritty, smooth, smooth as silk, smooth as satin.