split

split [split]

vt.

split, splitting [MDu splitten, akin to MHG splīzen < IE base * (s)plei-, to split, crack > FLINT]

1. to separate, cut, or divide into two or more parts; cause to separate along the grain or length; break into layers

2. to break or tear apart by force; burst; rend

3. to divide into parts or shares; portion out [to split the cost ]

☆ 4. to cast (one's vote) or mark (one's ballot) for candidates of more than one party

5. to cause (a group, political party, etc.) to separate into divisions or factions; disunite

6. Chem. Physics

a) to break (a molecule) into atoms or into smaller molecules

b) to produce nuclear fission in (an atom)

7. 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

vi.

1. to separate lengthwise into two or more parts; separate along the grain or length

2. to break or tear apart; burst; rend

3. to separate or break up through failure to agree, etc.: often with up

4. Informal to divide something with another or others, each taking a share [winners split ]

☆ 5. Slang to leave a place; depart

6. [Brit. Slang] to inform ( on an accomplice)

n.

1. the act or process of splitting

2. the result of splitting; specif.,

a) a break; fissure; crack; tear

b) a breach or division in a group, between persons, etc.

3. a splinter; sliver

4. a single thickness of hide split horizontally

5. a flexible strip of wood, as osier, used in basket making

☆ 6. a confection made of a split banana or other fruit with ice cream, nuts, sauces, whipped cream, etc.

7. [often pl.] the feat of spreading the legs apart until they lie flat on the floor, etc. in a straight line, the body remaining upright

8. Informal

a) a small bottle of carbonated water, wine, etc., usually about six ounces

b) a drink or portion half the usual size

9. Informal a share, as of loot or booty

10. Bowling an arrangement of pins after the first bowl, so widely separated as to make a spare extremely difficult

adj.

1. divided or separated along the length or grain

2. divided, separated, or disunited

SYN.- BREAK

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split off

to break off or separate as by splitting

splitter

n.