Main Entry: ¹split

Pronunciation: \ˈsplit\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): 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 splits 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