Split or sever, like an egg cell or chemical bond

verb

1. To adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly

   "They kept themselves strictly separate, each cleaving to their own language, rituals, and food."

verb

1. To divide by or as if by a cutting blow split

   "The blow cleaved the victim's skull."

2. To separate into distinct parts and especially into groups having divergent views

   "The political party was cleaved by internal bickering."

3. To subject to chemical cleavage

   "a protein cleaved by an enzyme"

4. To split especially along the grain

   "The ax easily cleaved through the log."

5. To penetrate or pass through something by or as if by cutting

   "The ship's bow cleaved through the water."

phrasal verb

1. To stay very close to (someone)

   "children cleaving to their families"

2. To stick closely to (something)