clove
1. clove \'klo-v\ n [ME, fr. OE clufu; akin to OE cle-ofan to split] : one of the small bulbs developed in the axils of the scales of a large b ulb 2. clove past of CLEAVE 3. clove \'klo-v\ n [alter. of ME clowe, fr. OF clou (de girofle), lit., nail of]clove, fr. L clavus nail : the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family; also : this tree