Cleavage Meaning and Definition
Cleavage
Pronunciation
/ˈkleɪvɪdʒ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A fissure or crack in the earth’s surface, typically in a mountainous or rocky area, often resulting from tectonic activity or volcanic activity.
Examples
- The hikers navigated through the treacherous cleavage in the mountain range.
- The geologist studied the cleavage lines in the rocks to determine the geological history of the area.
Synonyms
- Fissure
- Crack
Antonyms
- Formation
- Unbroken
Additional Information
Cleavage is an important geological term used to describe the formation of cracks or fissures in rocks. It is often caused by tectonic activity or volcanic activity. In geology, it is used to understand the structure and formation of the Earth’s surface. Cleavage can also refer to the arrangement of atoms or molecules within a crystal.
Cleavage is commonly found in rocks such as quartz, calcite, and feldspar. It can also occur in soil and sedimentary rocks. The study of cleavage is crucial in understanding the geological history and evolution of the Earth’s surface.
Etymology
The word “cleavage” comes from the Latin word “clavicula,” meaning “key” or “wedge.” It was first used in the 15th century to describe the formation of fissures or cracks in rocks.
Usage Notes
Cleavage is commonly used in the context of geology, but it can also be used in figurative language to describe the formation of cracks or fissures in relationships or ideas.
Cultural References
Cleavage has appeared in various cultural references, including films, literature, and music. For example, the 2005 film “King Kong” features a scene where the character Ann Darrow falls into a deep cleavage in the jungle.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Down the cleavage” is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the idea of exploring or navigating through a difficult or treacherous area.
Related Words or Phrases
Fissure
Crack
Fracture
Collocations
Cleavage lines
Cleavage pattern
Cleavage planes
Frequency of Use
Cleavage is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is still used in specialized contexts such as geology and mining.
Common Misspellings
Clavidge
Cleevage
Clavij