clove
clove Lexical Profile
clove Game Scores & Validity
• noun
One of the small, individual segments making up a compound bulb, particularly that of garlic.
"Mince one clove of garlic and sauté it in olive oil until fragrant."
The dried, aromatic flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum), used whole or ground as a pungent culinary spice.
"She added a pinch of cinnamon and a single clove to the simmering apple cider."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun 'clove' has two distinct meanings and origins: the aromatic spice derives from the Latin word for 'nail' due to its shape, whereas a 'clove' of garlic comes from an Old English word related to the verb 'cleave' (meaning to split).
• Rhymes for clove
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The spice name comes from Old French 'clou' (nail), from Latin 'clavus', referencing the dried bud's nail-like shape. The term for a bulb segment comes from Old English 'clufu', closely related to the verb 'cleave'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.