How to Say "to cleave" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to cleave” is “clivar” — C1 level.
Examples
El tallador de gemas debe clivar el diamante con precisión extrema.
The gem cutter must cleave the diamond with extreme precision.
Esta enzima se encarga de clivar las proteínas en pedazos más pequeños.
This enzyme is responsible for splitting the proteins into smaller pieces.
Es posible clivar ciertos minerales siguiendo sus planos naturales.
It is possible to cleave certain minerals following their natural planes.
A Regular Pattern
Even though it's a fancy word, it follows the exact same pattern as the word 'hablar' (to speak). No surprises in the endings!
Technical Usage
This word isn't for everyday 'splitting.' If you are splitting an apple or a bill at a restaurant, use 'partir' or 'dividir' instead.
Clivar vs. Clavar
Mistake: “Using 'clivar' when you mean to hammer a nail.”
Correction: Use 'clavar' for nails/driving things in. 'Clivar' is only for scientific splitting.
Related Translations
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