cleft cleft /ˈklɛft/

adjective

1. Having one or more indentations reaching nearly to the midrib  ( cleft , dissected )
   having one or more indentations reaching nearly to the midrib
   
2. Split or divided  ( cleft )
   split or divided
    He had a cleft chin and strong jaw
   he had a cleft chin and strong jaw
    The infant was born with a double harelip and cleft palate
   the infant was born with a double harelip and cleft palate
    A cleft stick
   a cleft stick
   

noun

1. () A split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)  ( cleft )
   a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
    The mountain's cleft was a popular spot for climbers.
   The mountain's cleft was a popular spot for climbers.
   
   
2. A long narrow opening  ( cleft , crevice , fissure , crack , scissure )
   a long narrow opening
     The crack in the pavement seemed insignificant, but it grew wider with each passing season.
   The crack in the pavement seemed insignificant, but it grew wider with each passing season.
   

 cleave cleave /ˈkliːv/

verb

1. () Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument  ( rive [Archaic] , cleave , split )
   separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
    Cleave the bone
   cleave the bone
   
2. Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation  ( cleave , stick , adhere , cling , cohere )
   come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
    The dress clings to her body
   The dress clings to her body
    The label stuck to the box
   The label stuck to the box
    The sushi rice grains cohere
   The sushi rice grains cohere
   
3. Make by cutting into  ( cleave )
   make by cutting into
    The water is going to cleave a channel into the rock
   The water is going to cleave a channel into the rock