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cleaving

SayKLEEV-ing/ˈklivɪŋ/UK/ˈkliːvɪŋ/

Noun pluralcleavings

4 meanings of cleaving

Practice

  1. 1
    verb
    Present participle and gerund of cleave. Use it for an action going on, or to name the action.

    He was cleaving logs behind the cabin all afternoon.

    The boat moved fast, cleaving the waves in two.

    Note
  2. 2
    act of splittingnouncountable or uncountable
    The act of splitting something or cutting it apart.

    The cleaving of the wood made a loud crack.

    After the cleaving of the stone, both halves had smooth faces.

    Similarsplitting, split, division

  3. 3
    that cutsadjective
    Splitting or cutting through something, or holding on to it tightly.

    He split the log with one cleaving blow.

    The cleaving wind cut right through our jackets.

    Similarsplitting, cutting

  4. 4
    clingingnoununcountable
    The act of holding on tightly to someone or something.

    His cleaving to his old friends never changed, even after he got rich.

    The dog's cleaving to its owner was sweet to see.

    Similaradherence, attachment, devotion, loyalty

    Note

cleaving is a form of cleave

cleave, verb: To split or cut something apart with a sharp tool, or as if with one. Full entry

Forms
cleavecleaves he/she/itcleaving -ing formcleft past tense, past participle
Spelling
cleave → cleaving: drop the e, add -ing

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