Cleft /(klĕft)/

Cleft

imp. & p. p.
  1. imp. & p. p. from Cleave.

Cleft

a.
  1. Divided; split; partly divided or split.
  2. Incised nearly to the midrib; as, a cleft leaf. (Bot.)

Cleft

n.
  1. A space or opening made by splitting; a crack; a crevice; as, the cleft of a rock.
  2. A piece made by splitting; as, a cleft of wood.
  3. A disease in horses; a crack on the band of the pastern. (Far.)

Phrases & Compounds
Branchial clefts
See under Branchial.