Glove vs. Clove — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
Glove is a covering for the hand, while clove is a spice derived from the flower buds of a tree.
Difference Between Glove and Clove
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gloves and cloves, though sounding similar, occupy very different spaces in our world. A glove is a piece of clothing that covers the hand, with separate sections for each finger and the thumb, designed to protect and comfort the hands against cold or damage. Gloves are made from various materials including leather, cloth, and synthetic fibers, and serve multiple purposes such as warmth, protection in manual work, or as part of formal attire. On the other hand, a clove is a small, aromatic spice obtained from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum. It is used globally in cooking for its intense flavor and aroma, and has also been valued in traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties.
While gloves appeal to the sense of touch and protection, cloves stimulate the olfactory and taste senses. The former is a tangible item worn on the hands, coming in many forms to serve different functions - from rubber gloves used in cleaning to insulated ones used in cold weather. The latter, being a spice, plays a significant role in culinary traditions around the world, adding depth and flavor to dishes. Cloves are also integral in spice blends and in the preparation of mulled wines and ciders, showcasing their versatility in both sweet and savory contexts.
The production and sourcing of these items also reflect their distinct natures. Gloves are manufactured through processes that vary widely depending on the material and intended use, involving industries ranging from fashion to industrial safety. Cloves, conversely, are harvested from the clove tree, which grows in tropical climates, with Indonesia, Madagascar, and Zanzibar being some of the top producers. The cultivation and harvesting of cloves require specific climatic conditions, and the spice is often hand-picked, highlighting the agricultural labor involved.
Despite their differences, both gloves and cloves can be seen as essential in their respective fields. Gloves protect and provide comfort to hands across a multitude of environments and tasks, from medical procedures to winter sports. Cloves, with their strong, pungent flavor, not only enhance culinary dishes but also offer potential health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and having antimicrobial properties.
Gloves and cloves cater to different human needs - one to physical protection and comfort, the other to flavor and health. This comparison underscores the richness of human life and culture, where both practical tools and the art of cooking with spices like cloves contribute to our well-being and enjoyment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A hand covering with separate parts for fingers
A spice from the dried flower buds of a tree
Primary Use
Protection, warmth, fashion
Cooking, flavoring, traditional medicine
Material/Source
Leather, cloth, synthetic fibers
Dried flower buds
Sensory Appeal
Touch, protection
Taste, smell
Production
Manufactured in various industries
Harvested from clove trees in tropical regions
Varieties
Work gloves, winter gloves, fashion gloves
Whole cloves, ground cloves
Global Significance
Diverse uses across climates and occupations
Widely used in cuisine and medicine worldwide
Compare with Definitions
Glove
Fashion Accessory.
The silk gloves completed her elegant ensemble.
Clove
Aromatic.
Cloves are a key ingredient in homemade potpourri.
Glove
Hygiene.
Doctors use disposable gloves for hygiene during examinations.
Clove
Flavoring Agent.
A clove was inserted into the baked ham for flavor.
Glove
Hand Protection.
She wore thick gloves to protect her hands from the thorns.
Clove
Preservation.
Cloves are used in pickling spices for preserving vegetables.
Glove
Warmth.
His woolen gloves kept him warm in the freezing temperatures.
Clove
Medicinal Use.
Clove oil is used for its antiseptic properties.
Glove
Specialized Use.
The goalkeeper wore gloves designed to enhance grip.
Clove
Culinary Spice.
She added a clove to the stew for a rich aroma.
Glove
A glove is a garment covering the hand. Gloves usually have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb.
Clove
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands (or Moluccas) in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice.
Glove
A close-fitting covering for the hand with a separate sheath for each finger and the thumb, worn especially as protection from the cold.
Clove
An evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) native to the Moluccas and widely cultivated as a source of oil and for its aromatic dried flower buds.
Glove
A gauntlet.
Clove
A flower bud of this plant, used whole or ground as a spice.
Glove
An oversized leather glove used for catching baseballs, especially one with more finger sheaths than the catcher's or first baseman's mitt.
Clove
One of the small sections of a separable bulb, as that of garlic.
Glove
A glove made of leather and fabric having padding on the back and extending over the wrist, used in hockey and lacrosse.
Clove
A past tense of cleave1.
Glove
A boxing glove.
Clove
(Archaic)A past participle of cleave1.
Glove
A close-fitting glove used to improve the grip, as in batting or in golf.
Clove
A past tense of cleave2.
Glove
(Baseball) Fielding ability
A shortstop with a good glove.
Clove
A very pungent aromatic spice, the unexpanded flower bud of the clove tree.
Glove
To furnish with gloves.
Clove
(countable) A clove tree, of the species Syzygium aromaticum (syn. Caryophyllus aromaticus), native to the Moluccas (Indonesian islands), which produces the spice.
Glove
To cover with or as if with a glove.
Clove
(countable) An old English measure of weight, containing 7 pounds (3.2 kg), i.e. half a stone. is this under the correct etymology?
Glove
To don gloves, as before performing an operation on a patient.
Clove
One of the small bulbs formed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb.
Clove of garlic, garlic clove, clove of a sea-onion, clove of shallot, cloves of bulbs
Glove
An item of clothing, covering all or part of the hand and fingers, but usually allowing independent movement of the fingers.
I wore gloves to keep my hands warm.
The boxing champ laced on his gloves before the big bout.
Clove
Cleft.
Glove
A baseball mitt.
Clove
A cleft; a gap; a ravine; - rarely used except as part of a proper name; as, Kaaterskill Clove; Stone Clove.
Glove
The ability to catch a hit ball.
Frederico had a great glove, but he couldn't hit a curveball, so he never broke into the pros.
Clove
A very pungent aromatic spice, the unexpanded flower bud of the clove tree (Eugenia aromatica syn. Caryophullus aromatica), a native of the Molucca Isles.
Glove
(slang) A condom.
Clove
One of the small bulbs developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb, as in the case of garlic.
Developing, in the axils of its skales, new bulbs, of what gardeners call cloves.
Glove
(with definite article) A challenge from one to another.
To throw down the glove, i.e. to offer a challenge; to take up the glove, to accept it
Clove
A weight. A clove of cheese is about eight pounds, of wool, about seven pounds.
Glove
To catch the ball in a baseball mitt.
He gloved the line drive for the third out.
Clove
Aromatic flower bud of a clove tree; yields a spice
Glove
(transitive) To put a glove or gloves on.
Maxwell gloved his hand so that he wouldn't leave fingerprints, then pulled the trigger.
Clove
Moderate sized very symmetrical red-flowered evergreen widely cultivated in the tropics for its flower buds which are source of cloves
Glove
(cricket) To touch a delivery with one's glove while the gloved hand is on the bat. Under the rules of cricket, the batsman is deemed to have hit the ball.
Clove
One of the small bulblets that can be split off of the axis of a larger garlic bulb
Glove
A cover for the hand, or for the hand and wrist, with a separate sheath for each finger. The latter characteristic distinguishes the glove from the mitten.
Clove
Spice from dried unopened flower bud of the clove tree; used whole or ground
Glove
A boxing glove.
Glove
To cover with, or as with, a glove.
Glove
Gloves worn by fielders in baseball
Glove
Handwear: covers the hand and wrist
Glove
Gloves that are big and padded; worn for boxing
Common Curiosities
Can gloves be made from plant materials?
Yes, gloves can be made from plant-based materials like cotton or bamboo fibers.
Are there gloves designed for specific activities?
Yes, there are specialized gloves for activities such as gardening, welding, and sports.
How are cloves used in cooking?
Cloves are used to add flavor to various dishes, including meats, sauces, and desserts.
Can cloves be eaten whole?
While non-toxic, whole cloves are usually not eaten due to their intense flavor and hard texture.
What climates are suitable for clove cultivation?
Cloves require a warm, humid tropical climate to grow.
What are the main functions of gloves?
Gloves serve to protect hands from cold, injury, and contamination, among other purposes.
What's the significance of gloves in safety equipment?
Gloves are crucial in safety equipment, protecting hands from chemicals, electricity, and cuts.
What are the health benefits of cloves?
Cloves have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, making them beneficial in traditional medicine.
How does the taste of clove influence a dish?
Clove adds a strong, pungent, and slightly sweet flavor to dishes, enhancing their complexity.
What care should be taken when using cloves?
Due to their strong flavor, cloves should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering a dish.
What role do cloves play in traditional medicine?
In traditional medicine, cloves are used for dental care, as a digestive aid, and to treat colds.
Are there eco-friendly gloves?
Yes, gloves made from recycled or sustainable materials are considered eco-friendly.
Do all sports require specific gloves?
Not all, but many sports like baseball, golf, and cycling have gloves designed for grip and protection.
What historical uses did cloves have?
Historically, cloves were used for embalming, as a perfume, and to ward off plague.
Is there a difference between ground cloves and whole cloves in cooking?
Yes, ground cloves integrate more easily into dishes, offering a uniform flavor, while whole cloves are often used for infusing and then removed.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
