calve

verb (used without object), calved, calv·ing.

1. to give birth to a calf: The cow is expected to calve tomorrow.
2. (of a glacier, an iceberg, etc.) to break up or splinter so as to produce a detached piece.

verb (used with object), calved, calv·ing.

3. to give birth to (a calf).
4. (of a glacier, an iceberg, etc.) to break off or detach (a piece): The glacier calved an iceberg.

verb

1. to give birth to (a calf)
2. (of a glacier or iceberg) to release (masses of ice) in breaking up

v.

Old English cealfian, from cealf “calf” (see calf (n.1)). Of icebergs, 1837. Related: Calved; calving.