1. adj. split, partly divided.
Phrases and idioms:
cleft palate a congenital split in the roof of the mouth. in a cleft stick in a difficult position, esp. one allowing neither retreat nor advance.
Etymology: past part. of CLEAVE(1) 2. n. a split or fissure; a space or division made by cleaving.
Etymology: OE (rel. to CLEAVE(1)): assim. to CLEFT(1)