a pp. of cleave 2

cleft; split; divided

Goats have cloven hoofs.

to split or divide by or as if by a cutting blow, esp. along a natural line of division, as the grain of wood.

to make by or as if by cutting

to cleave a path through the wilderness.

to penetrate or pass through (air, water, etc.)

The bow of the boat cleaved the water cleanly.

to cut off; sever

to cleave a branch from a tree.

to part or split, esp. along a natural line of division.

to penetrate or advance by or as if by cutting (usually fol. by through ).