I. ˈsplit verb
( split ; split·ting )
Etymology: Dutch splitten, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle High German splīzen 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
- split one's sides
- split the difference
II. adjective
Date: 1593
1. : divided , fractured
2. : prepared for use by splitting
split bamboo
split hides
3. : heterozygous — used especially by breeders of cage birds sometimes with for
III. noun
Date: 1597
1.
a. : a narrow break made by or as if by splitting
b. : an arrangement of bowling pins left standing with space for pins between them
2. : a piece split off or made thin by splitting
3.
a. : a division into or between divergent or antagonistic elements or forces
a cultural split
b. : a faction formed in this way
4.
a. : the act or process of splitting (as the stock of a corporation)
b. : the act of lowering oneself to the floor or leaping into the air with legs extended at right angles to the trunk
5. : a product of division by or as if by splitting
6. : a wine bottle holding one quarter the usual amount or about .1875 liters (6 to 6.5 ounces) ; also : the quantity held by a split
7. : an ice cream sundae served over slices of fruit (as banana)
8. : the recorded time at or for a specific part of a race