: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree (Syzygium aromaticum synonym Eugenia aromatica) of the myrtle family that is used as a spice and is the source of an oil
also: this tree
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Old English clufu; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave
Noun
alteration of Middle English clowe, from Anglo-French clou (de girofle), literally, nail of clove, from Latin clavus nail
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above