The flower-bud of the cloveˈ-tree (Eugenia caryophyllus or Syzygium aromaticum), dried as a spice, and yielding an essential oil, oil of cloves, used in medicine to relieve abdominal pain or as a remedy for toothache
(in pl) a flavouring obtained from it
ORIGIN: Fr clou nail, from its shape, from L clāvus a nail