Definition

Adjective: - Capable of being split or divided along a natural plane of division: Describes a material, substance, or object that can be easily split, especially along a natural line of weakness, such as a crystal or a piece of wood. - Capable of being separated or divided: In a broader or more figurative sense, it can describe something that can be partitioned or broken into distinct parts.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Mica is a cleavable mineral that splits into thin, flexible sheets.
  • The scientist studied the cleavable bonds within the protein structure.
  • The log was cleavable along its grain with a sharp wedge.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Scientific Context: Often used in geology, mineralogy, chemistry, and biology to describe materials or molecular structures with planes of weakness where they can be cleanly split.
  • The diamond's value is partly determined by its cleavable planes, which guide how it is cut.

Variants and Related Words

• Cleave (verb): To split or sever, especially along a natural line or grain.
• Cleavage (noun): 1. The act of cleaving or splitting. 2. The state of being cleft. 3. (In geology) The tendency of a crystal to split along definite planes. 4. (In biology) The division of cells in an early embryo.
• Uncleavable (adjective): Not capable of being cleaved.

Synonyms

• Splittable: Capable of being split.
• Fissile: (Especially of rock) capable of being split.
• Divisible: Capable of being divided.

Antonyms

• Uncleavable: Not capable of being cleaved.
• Indivisible: Unable to be divided or separated.
• Solid: Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid (often implying a lack of planes of division).

Adjective

1. capable of being cleaved