In geology:
* Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness. This is often related to the arrangement of atoms within the mineral's crystal structure. Examples of minerals with good cleavage include mica (cleaves in thin sheets) and halite (rock salt, which cleaves into cubes).
In biology:
* Cleavage refers to the series of rapid cell divisions that occur after a fertilized egg (zygote) is formed. This process produces a multicellular ball of cells called a blastula, which is a crucial step in embryonic development.
In anatomy:
* Cleavage (also known as décolleté) refers to the visible curve of a woman's chest created by the separation between her breasts. This term is primarily used in fashion and beauty contexts.
Other meanings:
* Cleavage can also be used figuratively to refer to a division or separation, as in the sentence "The political party experienced a major cleavage over the issue of immigration."
To understand which meaning of "cleavage" is intended, it's crucial to consider the context in which it is used.
