I. ˈsplīs transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: obsolete Dutch splissen to split ends into separate strands, splice, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle Dutch splitten to split — more at split
1. : to fasten together especially end to end and especially in order to form a continuous length: as
a. : to unite (two ropes or two parts of a rope) especially by sticking or tucking the strands of one rope or part between or around each other
b. : to unite (as spars, timbers, or rails) into a single length by lapping together two ends or by applying a piece that laps upon the two ends and binding or making fast ; specifically : to connect (railroad rails) end to end with joint bars
c. : to join (as two lengths of photographic film or paper or recording tape) by or as if by cementing or fusing the ends together ; also : to transfer (as a sound or picture) to a recording or film by splicing in a piece of recorded tape or film
an audience's laughs have been recorded and are spliced into the thirty-minute comedy film — Goodman Ace
2. : to attach to, fix in, or join onto something
splice a rope to a chain
proposing to splice upon the tariff bill an income tax — N.W.Stephenson
specifically : to graft (a slip or shoot) into stock by lapping or by applying a piece that laps and binding or making fast
3. : to make, form, or repair by splicing
bone and ivory knitting needles were often spliced in order to obtain the required length — Mary Thomas
the broken girder can be spliced — New Yorker
4. : to unite in marriage : marry
asked the preacher to splice them
•
- splice the main brace
II. noun
( -s )
1. : the act or result of joining or fusing especially end to end: as
a. : a joining of two cords or ropes or two parts of the same cord or rope made by interweaving or intertwining the strands in such a way that the circumference of the joint is no greater or not much greater than the circumference of the rope — see chain splice , eye splice , long splice , short splice
b. : a joining of the ends of long rigid objects (as spars, timbers, or rails) by lapping the ends or applying a piece lapping both ends and by making fast (as by binding or bolting)
c. : a fused or cemented joint in a length of photographic film or paper or recording tape
2. : marriage , wedding
3. : the part of the handle of a cricket bat that is inserted in the blade
4. : splicing 2
[s]splice.jpg[/s] [
splice 1
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III. transitive verb
: to combine or insert (as genes) by genetic engineering
researchers spliced together DNA from several different organisms
spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium
— see gene-splicing herein