1816, in geology, "action of splitting (rocks or gems) along natural fissures," from cleave (v.1) + -age. General meaning "action or state of cleaving or being cleft" is from 1867.
The sense of "cleft between a woman's breasts in low-cut clothing" is first recorded 1946, defined in a "Time" magazine article [Aug. 5] as the "Johnston Office trade term for the shadowed depression dividing an actress' bosom into two distinct sections;" traditionally first used in this sense by U.S. publicist Joseph I. Breen (1888-1965), head of the Production Code Administration (replaced 1945 by Eric Johnston), enforcers of Hollywood self-censorship, in reference to Jane Russell's costumes and poses in "The Outlaw."
cleavage 双语例句
1. Cellular cleavage and proliferation was markedly inhibited.
细胞的分裂、增殖受到明显抑制。
来自辞典例句
2. This cleavage persisted during the whole civilized period.
这种分裂继续存在于整个文明期.
来自英汉非文学 - 家庭、私有制和国家的起源
3. This marks the end of the cleavage stage of development.
这标志着卵裂发育阶段的结束.
来自辞典例句
4. He had made a great cleavage in his life.
他已在自己的生活里劈出了一条鸿沟.
来自辞典例句
5. Cleavage of secondary bonds can also be responsible for polymer deterioration.
