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cleft

[/klɛft/]
noun/adjectivepl: clefts
fenda, rachadura, cisão
1. A deep opening or fissure in something, especially in rock or earth
The climber carefully navigated the narrow cleft in the mountain face.
O alpinista navegou cuidadosamente pela estreita fenda na face da montanha.
2. A split or division, often used metaphorically
There is a deep cleft between the two political parties.
Existe uma profunda cisão entre os dois partidos políticos.
3. Medical term: a congenital fissure in the upper lip or palate
The baby was born with a cleft palate that required surgical correction.
O bebê nasceu com fenda palatina que exigiu correção cirúrgica.
4. Adjective form: split or divided
The cleft hoof of a goat helps it climb steep terrain.
O casco fendido da cabra ajuda a subir em terrenos íngremes.
Synonyms
fissurecrevicegapchasmsplitcrack
Antonyms
closureunionconnection

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fenda
most common term for physical opening
General Brazilian
cisão
used for metaphorical divisions or splits
Medical Portuguese
fenda palatina
specific medical term for cleft palate
Portugal
fissura
alternative formal term for fissure

Related Idioms & Phrases

cleft palate - congenital condition affecting the palate
in a cleft stick - in a difficult or awkward position
cleft chin - a chin with a dimple or division down the center
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