I. ˈklōv noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave
Date: before 12th century
: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb
II.
past of cleave
III. ˈklōv noun
Etymology: alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou ( de girofle ), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail
Date: 13th century
: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree ( Syzygium aromaticum syn. Eugenia aromatica ) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil ; also : this tree