cleft
1. cleft \'kleft\ n [ME clift, fr. OE geclyft; akin to OE cle-ofan to cleave] 1: a space or opening made by splitting : FISSURE 2: a usu. V-shaped indentation resembling a cleft 2. cleft aj [ME, fr. pp. of cleven] : partially split or divided; specif : divided about halfway to t he midrib {a ~ leaf}