clave Hear it!

clave1 definition

clave (klāv)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

Archaic cleave or cleave
clave2 definition

clave (klä′vā′)

noun

  1. either of a pair of cylindrical hardwood sticks that make a hollow sound when struck together, used as a percussion instrument in Latin music: usually used in pl.
  2. a syncopated rhythm pattern of alternating phrases of three and two beats, used in Latin dance music

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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