cleavage

cleavage definition - medical

cleav·age (klēˈvĭj)

noun
  1. A series of cell divisions in the ovum immediately following fertilization. Also called segmentation.
  2. The splitting of a complex molecule into two or more simpler molecules. Also called scission.
  3. The linear clefts in the skin, indicating the general direction of the fibers in the dermis.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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