¹clove

noun \ˈklōv\

Definition of CLOVE

: one of the small bulbs (as in garlic) developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb

Origin of CLOVE

Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, chloroplast, nomenclature, succulent, sylvan, xylem

Rhymes with CLOVE

cove, drove, fauve, grove, Jove, mauve, rove, stove, trove

²clove

Definition of CLOVE

past of cleave

³clove

noun \ˈklōv\

Definition of CLOVE

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum syn. Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil; also : this tree

Origin of CLOVE

alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

CLOVE Defined for Kids

¹clove

noun \ˈklōv\

Definition of CLOVE for Kids

: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree used in cooking as a spice

²clove

Definition of CLOVE for Kids

past of cleave

Medical Dictionary

clove

noun \ˈklōv\

Medical Definition of CLOVE

a : the pungent fragrant aromatic reddish brown dried flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that yields clove oil b : a spice consisting of whole or ground cloves—usually used in plural

: the tree that is the source of cloves and is probably native to the Moluccas but is now widely cultivated in the tropics