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The dried flower buds of the clove tree, used as a spice.
The recipe calls for a few whole cloves to be added to the stew.
A small, usually cylindrical piece of material, such as a tooth filling.
The dentist filled the cavity with a small clove of filling material.
When using whole cloves, be sure to remove them before serving, as they can be sharp and difficult to swallow.
From Old French 'clou', from Latin 'clavus', meaning 'nail', referring to the shape of the dried flower bud.
Cloves are commonly used in baking and cooking, particularly in sweet dishes like pies and cakes.