Medical Term:


Pronunciation: klēv′ij


  1. Series of mitotic cell divisions occurring in the oocyte immediately following its fertilization.
  2. Splitting of a complex molecule into two or more simpler molecules.
  3. Linear clefts in the skin indicating extrinsic stresses being applied in that area.
  4. The tendency of a crystal to break along a preferred direction or plane.

Synonym(s): intermammary cleft

Synonym(s): segmentation2

See Also: cleavage division