n.
Pronunciation: ' split
Function: verb
Inflected Form: split ; split · ting
Etymology: Dutch splitten, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle High German spl ī zen to split and probably to Old High German spaltan to split
Date: 1567
transitive verb
1 a : to divide lengthwise usually along a grain or seam or by layers b : to affect as if by cleaving or forcing apart <the river split s the town in two>
2 a (1) : to tear or rend apart : BURST (2) : to subject (an atom or atomic nucleus) to artificial disintegration by fission b : to affect as if by breaking up or tearing apart : SHATTER <a roar that split the air>
3 : to divide into parts or portions: as a : to divide between persons : SHARE b : to divide into factions, parties, or groups c : to mark (a ballot) or cast or register (a vote) so as to vote for candidates of different parties d (1) : to divide or break down (a chemical compound) into constituents < split a fat into glycerol and fatty acids> (2) : to remove by such separation < split off carbon dioxide> e : to divide (stock) by issuing a larger number of shares to existing shareholders usually without increase in total par value
4 : to separate (the parts of a whole) by interposing something < split an infinitive>
5 : LEAVE < split the party> < split town>
intransitive verb
1 a : to become split lengthwise or into layers b : to break apart : BURST
2 a : to become divided up or separated off < split into factions> < split from the group> b : to sever relations or connections : SEPARATE c : LEAVE especially : to leave without delay < split for the coast>
3 British : to betray confidence : act as an informer ― usually used with on
4 : to apportion shares
synonyms see TEAR
– split hairs : to make oversubtle or trivial distinctions
– split one's sides : to laugh heartily
– split the difference : to arrive at a compromise