Clove, n. [OE. clow, fr. F. clou nail, clou de girofle a clove, lit. nail of clove, fr. L. clavus nail, perh. akin to clavis key, E. clavicle. The clove was so called from its resemblance to a nail. So in D. kruidnagel clove, lit. herb-nail or spice-nail. Cf. Cloy.] A very pungent aromatic spice, the unexpanded flower bud of the clove tree (Eugenia, orCaryophullus, aromatica), a native of the Molucca Isles.
Clove camphor. (Chem.) See Eugenin. — Clove gillyflower, Clove pink(Bot.), any fragrant self-colored carnation.