Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » split

split

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

Split means to break, separate, tear, divide or cut into two or more parts. (verb)

An example of to split is separating the white part of an egg from the yolk.
An example of to split is splitting a log into many parts with an axe.

See split in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb split, splitting

to separate, cut, or divide into two or more parts; cause to separate along the grain or length; break into layers
to break or tear apart by force; burst; rend
to divide into parts or shares; portion out: to split the cost
☆ to cast (one's vote) or mark (one's ballot) for candidates of more than one party
to cause (a group, political party, etc.) to separate into divisions or factions; disunite
Chem., Physics
1. to break (a molecule) into atoms or into smaller molecules
2. to produce nuclear fission in (an atom)
Finance to divide (stock) by substituting some multiple of the original shares that will usually have the same aggregate par value as the old, but a proportionately lower value per share

intransitive verb

to separate lengthwise into two or more parts; separate along the grain or length
to break or tear apart; burst; rend
to separate or break up through failure to agree, etc.: often with up
Informal to divide something with another or others, each taking a share: winners split
☆ Slang to leave a place; depart
Brit., Slang to inform (on an accomplice)

noun

the act or process of splitting
the result of splitting; specif.,
1. a break; fissure; crack; tear
2. a breach or division in a group, between persons, etc.
a splinter; sliver
a single thickness of hide split horizontally
a flexible strip of wood, as osier, used in basket making
☆ a confection made of a split banana or other fruit with ice cream, nuts, sauces, whipped cream, etc.
the feat of spreading the legs apart until they lie flat on the floor, etc. in a straight line, the body remaining upright
Informal
1. a small bottle of carbonated water, wine, etc., usually about six ounces
2. a drink or portion half the usual size
Informal a share, as of loot or booty
Bowling an arrangement of pins after the first bowl, so widely separated as to make a spare extremely difficult

adjective

divided or separated along the length or grain
divided, separated, or disunited

Related Forms:

splitter noun

seaport in Croatia, on the Adriatic: pop. 189,000

See split in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(splĭt)

verb split split, split·ting, splits

verb, transitive

To divide from end to end or along the grain by or as if by a sharp blow. See Synonyms at tear¹.
a. To break, burst, or rip apart with force; rend. See Synonyms at break.
b. To affect with force in a way that suggests tearing apart: A lightning bolt split the night sky.
To separate (people or groups, for example); disunite.
To divide and share: split a dessert.
To divide, as for convenience or proper ordering: split the project up into stages.
To separate (leather, for example) into layers.
To mark (a vote or ballot) in favor of candidates from different parties.
To divide (stock) by issuing multiples of the existing stock with a corresponding reduction in the price of each share, so that the total value of the stock is unchanged.
Sports To win half the games of (a series or double-header).
Slang To depart from; leave: a mobster who suddenly split town.

verb, intransitive

To become separated into parts, especially to undergo lengthwise division.
To become broken or ripped apart, especially from internal pressure.
To become or admit of being divided: Let's split up into teams. This poem doesn't split up into stanzas very well.
Informal To become divided or part company as a result of discord or disagreement: She split with the regular party organization. They split up after a year of marriage.
To divide or share something with others.
Slang To depart; leave: All the older kids have split to go dancing.

noun

The act of splitting or the result of it.
A breach or rupture in a group.
A splinter.
Something divided and portioned out; a share.
Sports The recorded time for an interval or segment of a race.
A strip of flexible wood used for making baskets.
a. A bottle of an alcoholic or carbonated beverage half the usual size.
b. A drink of half the usual quantity.
c. A half pint.
A dessert of sliced fruit, ice cream, and toppings.
Sports An acrobatic feat in which the legs are stretched out straight in opposite directions at right angles to the trunk. Often used in the plural.
Sports An arrangement of bowling pins left standing after a bowl, in which two or more pins remain standing with one or more pins between them knocked down.
A single thickness of a split hide.

adjective

Having been divided or separated.
Fissured longitudinally; cleft.
a. Quoted in 16ths rather than in 8ths. Used of stocks.
b. Having been split. Used of stocks.

Related Forms:

splitˈter noun

(splĭt)

A city of southwest Croatia on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Founded as a Roman colony, it later grew around a palace built by Diocletian in the early fourth century A.D. Population: 188,000.

Learn more about split

» split synonyms

» SPLIT abbreviations & acronyms

» split business definition

» split investment & finance

» split medical definition

» split phrase meanings

» split sentence examples

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

Feedback