Background for cleaves

cleaves

/kliːvz/

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verb

To split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.

Examples :

"The wings cleaved the foggy air."

action part weapon

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verb

To break a single crystal (such as a gemstone or semiconductor wafer) along one of its more symmetrical crystallographic planes (often by impact), forming facets on the resulting pieces.

Examples :

"The technician carefully cleaves the silicon wafer to create smaller chips for computers. "

material science technology physics chemistry

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verb

To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting.

Examples :

"The truck cleaved a path through the ice."

action achievement

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verb

To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules.

Examples :

"The enzyme amylase cleaves starch molecules into simpler sugars during digestion. "

chemistry biochemistry biology compound process science

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verb

Examples :

"The lumberjack cleaves the log in half with a single swing of his axe. "

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verb

Of a crystal, to split along a natural plane of division.

Examples :

"The mineral fluorite cleaves easily along its cubic planes, forming smooth, predictable shapes. "

material geology structure

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verb

To cling, adhere or stick fast to something; used with to or unto.

Examples :

"The wet sand cleaves to my shoes after walking on the beach. "

action being tendency