Cleft

/klɛft/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A split or divided part; a fissure or indentation.

The mountain had a deep cleft that appeared to have been carved by water over centuries.

A condition in which the upper lip or the roof of the mouth is not completely formed.

The baby was born with a cleft lip that required surgical intervention.

verb

To split or divide something into two or more parts.

The storm cleft the old oak tree in half.

adjective

Split or divided; having a fissure or opening.

The cleft rock provided a natural shelter from the wind.

Middle English, from Old English 'cleofan' meaning to split.

cleft palate

A congenital deformity where the roof of the mouth has a gap.

cleft lip

A facial opening that occurs when the tissue doesn't fully come together during fetal development.

cleavage

The state of being split or divided.

cleve

To split or sever something.

To be in a tricky situation.

I'm in a cleft with this project deadline.