split, divided, or partially divided into two (部分)裂成两半的 a cleft chin. 中间有缝的下巴。
常用词组 be (或 be caught) in a cleft stick
(chiefly Brit.)be in a situation in which any action one takes will have adverse consequences (主英)进退两难,左右为难
cleft2 noun
a fissure or split, especially one in rock or the ground (尤指岩石、地表的)裂缝;裂口 ■a vertical indentation in the middle of a person's forehead or chin 额头(或下巴)中间的竖缝 ■a deep division between two parts of the body (身体)V字形凹陷
语源
Middle English clift: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kluft and German Kluft, also to cleave. The form of the word was altered in the 16th cent. by association with cleft