Medical Term:
cleavage
Pronunciation: klēv′ij
Definition:
- Series of mitotic cell divisions occurring in the oocyte immediately following its fertilization.
- Splitting of a complex molecule into two or more simpler molecules.
- Linear clefts in the skin indicating extrinsic stresses being applied in that area.
- The tendency of a crystal to break along a preferred direction or plane.
Synonym(s): intermammary cleft
Synonym(s): segmentation2
See Also: cleavage division
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Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.
