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Cleavage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cleavage

[ˈklēvɪdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

physical anatomy

Cleavage refers to the space or division between a woman's breasts, particularly when they are pushed together by clothing. It can also refer to the manner in which something is split or divided. In a broader context, cleavage can also describe a split or separation in various contexts, such as geology or biology.

Synonyms

divergence, gap, split.

Examples of usage

  • The dress accentuated her cleavage beautifully.
  • The cleavage of the rock formation was fascinating to observe during the hike.
  • In biology, cleavage refers to the series of cell divisions that occur after fertilization.

Translations

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Origin of 'cleavage'

The word 'cleavage' originates from the Middle English term 'clevage', which means 'to separate' or 'to stick apart'. Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'clever', meaning 'to split'. The term has evolved over time, particularly in its application to anatomy, becoming more commonly associated with the visual separation between breasts. The anatomical sense of cleavage took on a new dimension in the 19th century when fashion began emphasizing the upper body and presenting it in different ways through clothing styles. Today, 'cleavage' has broadened to encompass not only the physical aspect of division in the human body but also metaphorical usages in various scientific fields, from biology to geology, describing divisions and separations within larger systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,762 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.