clave Meaning & Definition
What Does Clave Mean?
As a verb, clave means simple past and past participle of cleave. As a noun, it means singular of claves. As a noun, it means A characteristic pattern of beats, especially the 3-2 son clave.
Word Facts for Clave
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /kleɪv/ |
| Plural | claves |
| Verb forms | claves, claving, claved |
Clave Definition (Verb)
- simple past and past participle of cleave
Clave as a Noun
- singular of claves
Noun
- A characteristic pattern of beats, especially the 3-2 son clave.
Noun
- Ellipsis of autoclave.
Verb
- Ellipsis of autoclave.
Verb
- To split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.
The wings cleaved the foggy air.
- To break a single crystal (such as a gemstone or semiconductor wafer) along one of its more symmetrical crystallographic planes (often by impact), forming facets on the resulting pieces.
- To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting.
The truck cleaved a path through the ice.
- To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules.
- To split.
- Of a crystal, to split along a natural plane of division.
Verb
- To cling, adhere or stick fast to something; used with to or unto.
Synonyms of Clave
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Clave synonyms and antonyms →Clave in a Sentence
The wings cleaved the foggy air.
The truck cleaved a path through the ice.
Word Forms & Grammar
clave
clave (plural claves)
clave (third-person singular simple present claves, present participle claving, simple past and past participle claved)
Words That Rhyme With Clave
Origin of Clave
Origin 1: .mw-parser-output .maintenance-box{width:90%;margin:0.75em auto;border-width:1px;border-style:dashed;padding:0.25em}body.skin-vector-2022 .mw-parser-output .maintenance-box>table td p:last-of-type{margin-bottom:0.25em}.mw-parser-output .maintenance-box-image-cell{padding:0 0.5em}.mw-parser-output .request-box{margin:0.75em 1em 0.75em 1em;border:1px dashed var(--border-color-base,#999999);padding:0.25em;background:var(--background-color-base,#FFFFFF)}body.skin-minerva .mw-parser-output .request-box table{margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em}.mw-parser-output .maintenance-box-blue{background-color:var(--wikt-palette-indigo-2,#E6E6FF);border:1px dashed var(--wikt-palette-indigo-9,#000061)}.mw-parser-output .maintenance-box-red{background-color:var(--wikt-palette-red-2,#FFE6E6);border:1px dashed var(--wikt-palette-red-9,#610000)}.mw-parser-output .maintenance-box-yellow{background-color:var(--wikt-palette-yellow-2,#FFFFE6);border:1px dashed var(--wikt-palette-yellow-9,#616100)}.mw-parser-output .maintenance-box-grey{background-color:var(--wikt-palette-grey-2,#F2F2F2);border:1px dashed var(--wikt-palette-grey-9,#303030)}.mw-parser-output .maintenance-box-orange{background-color:var(--wikt-palette-orange-2,#FFF2E6);border:1px dashed var(--wikt-palette-orange-9,#612F00)}(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Origin 2: From Spanish clave, from Latin clāvis (“key”). Doublet of clavis and clef.
Origin 3: Clipping of autoclave.
Common Questions About Clave
Is clave a verb or a noun?
Clave is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is the plural of clave?
The plural of clave is claves.
What is the past tense of clave?
The past tense of clave is claved. The present participle is claving.