cleft
UK: klɛft | US: klɛft
n. a natural split or division, especially in a rock or body part
adj. split or divided
cleft = cleave<to split> + t<past participle suffix>
- cleave (Old English clēofan): Means "to split or adhere." The word evolved with dual meanings—splitting apart or sticking together—though cleft derives from the "split" sense.
- -t: A past participle suffix in older English forms (e.g., kept, slept), marking the word as a result of splitting.
Etymology Origin:
Cleft originates from Old English clēofan ("to split"), with the -t suffix fossilizing its past participle form. The word’s logic reflects a physical division, preserved in terms like "cleft palate" (a split in the roof of the mouth) or "cleft rock" (a fissure). Its Germanic roots tie to words like German klieben ("to cleave"), emphasizing forceful separation.
The hiker navigated through a narrow cleft in the canyon.
A cleft chin is often considered a distinctive facial feature.
The earthquake created a deep cleft in the ground.
Surgeons repaired the infant’s cleft lip with precision.
The old tree trunk had a vertical cleft from lightning.