clove 1
/klohv/ , n.
1. the dried flower bud of a tropical tree, Syzygium aromaticum, of the myrtle family, used whole or ground as a spice.
2. the tree itself.
[ 1175-1225; ME clow ( e ), short for clow-gilofre clou de gilofre. See CLOU, GILLYFLOWER ]
clove 2
/klohv/ , n. Bot.
one of the small bulbs formed in the axils of the scales of a mother bulb, as in garlic.
[ bef. 1000; ME; OE clufu bulb (c. MD clove, D kloof ); akin to CLEAVE 2 ]
clove 3
/klohv/ , v.
a pt. of cleave 2 .
clove 4
/klohv/ , n.
a British unit of weight for wool, cheese, etc., usually equivalent to 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).
[ 1300-50; ME claue clove, earlier clou, equiv. to AL clavus, L: nail; see CLOVE 1 ]