cleaver etymology

Etymology

The word "cleaver" is derived from the Old English word "cleofan," meaning "to cleave" or "to split." The term originally referred to a heavy, broad-bladed knife used for splitting wood or other materials.

Meaning

A cleaver is a large, heavy knife with a broad, rectangular blade. It is typically used in kitchens for tasks such as:

• Chopping and cutting meat
• Disarticulating joints
• Bone marrow extraction

Origin

The earliest known use of the term "cleaver" in reference to a kitchen knife dates back to the 14th century. However, evidence suggests that similar knives have been used for centuries before this.

Archaeological discoveries have uncovered stone tools with broad, blade-like edges that may have been used as early cleaver-like implements. Over time, these tools evolved into bronze or iron blades with wooden or bone handles.

The cleaver as we know it today is a relatively recent development, with the first recognizable designs appearing in the early 19th century. These cleavers were typically made of high-carbon steel and had a wider, more rectangular blade than earlier models.

Today, cleavers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different cultures having developed their own variations. They remain an essential tool in kitchens worldwide, used for both heavy-duty cutting and more precise tasks.

cleaver relate terms

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