transitive verb slit, slitting slit′·ting

1. to cut or split open, esp. by a straight, lengthwise incision
2. to cut lengthwise into strips
3. to cut (off); sever

Etymology: ME slitten < OE *slittan, akin to MHG slitzen < WGmc *slitjan < base of Gmc *slitan (> OE slitan) < IE base *(s)kel-, to cut > shield, shell

noun

1. a cut or tear, esp. one that is long and straight
2. a long, narrow opening or crack