The verb cleave has 3 senses (first 1 from tagged texts)
1. (1) cleave, split, rive -- (separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument; "cleave the bone")
2. cleave -- (make by cutting into; "The water is going to cleave a channel into the rock")
3. cling, cleave, adhere, stick, cohere -- (come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation; "The dress clings to her body"; "The label stuck to the box"; "The sushi rice grains cohere")