First Known Use: 1567
Dictionary
1split
verb \ˈsplit\
: to break apart or into pieces especially along a straight line
: to separate or divide into parts or groups
: to separate or divide into groups that disagree
splitsplit·ting
Full Definition of SPLIT
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 splits the town in two>
2
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
3
British : to betray confidence : act as an informer —usually used with on
4
: to apportion shares
— split hairs
: to make oversubtle or trivial distinctions
— split one's sides
: to laugh heartily
— split the difference
: to arrive at a compromise
See split defined for English-language learners
See split defined for kids
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Origin of SPLIT
Dutch splitten, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle High German splīzen to split and probably to Old High German spaltan to split
Related to SPLIT
Synonym Discussion of SPLIT
tear, rip, rend, split, cleave, rive mean to separate forcibly. tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges <tear up the letter>. rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint <ripped the shirt on a nail>. rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering <an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes>. split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers <split logs for firewood>. cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow <a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak>. rive occurs most often in figurative use <a political party riven by conflict>.
2split
adjective
Definition of SPLIT
2
: prepared for use by splitting <split bamboo> <split hides>
3
: heterozygous —used especially by breeders of cage birds sometimes with for
First Known Use of SPLIT
1593
3split
noun
: a narrow break, tear, or crack
: a division or separation in a group that is caused by a disagreement
: a clear separation or difference between two or more things
Full Definition of SPLIT
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
See split defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPLIT
1597
Split
geographical name \ˈsplit\
Definition of SPLIT
city & port S Croatia on Dalmatian coast pop 200,459
SPLIT Defined for Kids
1split
verb \ˈsplit\
splitsplit·ting
Definition of SPLIT for Kids
1
: to divide lengthwise or by layers <split a log>
2
: to separate into parts or groups <A highway splits the neighborhood.> <Let's split up and search different areas.>
3
: to burst or break apart or in pieces <The melon fell and split open.>
4
: to divide into shares or sections <We split the profit.>
2split
noun
Definition of SPLIT for Kids
1
: a product or result of dividing, separating, or breaking apart : crack
2
: the act or process of dividing, separating, or breaking apart : division <There's a split in that political party.>
3
: an action or position in which a person's legs are extended in a straight line and in opposite directions
3split
adjective
Definition of SPLIT for Kids
: divided by or as if by splitting <We're split on what to do next.>
Medical Dictionary
split
transitive verb \ˈsplit\
splitsplit·ting
Medical Definition of SPLIT
: to divide or break down (a chemical compound) into constituents <split a fat into glycerol and fatty acids>; also : to remove by such separation
Learn More About SPLIT
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