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 verb1 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 verb1 a: to become split lengthwise or into layers b: to break apart : burst2 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>3British : to betray confidence : act as an informer —usually used with on4: 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