Search results for 'split':

split verb (split, splitting) 1 tr & intr to divide or break or cause to divide or break apart or into, usually two, pieces, especially lengthways. 2 to divide or share, money, etc. 3 (also split up) tr & intr a to divide or separate into smaller amounts, groups, parts, etc; b to divide or separate or cause to divide or separate, eg because of disagreement, disharmony, etc • European policy split the party • split up with his boyfriend. See also split-up. 4 intrans, colloq to go away or leave • Let's split and go back for a smoke. 5 said of a ship: to be wrecked. noun 1 a an act or the process of separating or dividing; b a division, especially of money, etc • a two-way split on the Lottery winnings. 2 a lengthways break or crack. 3 a separation or division through disagreement. 4 a dessert that consists of fruit, especially a banana, sliced open and topped with cream and/or ice-cream, sauce, nuts, etc. 5 (the splits) an acrobatic leap or drop to the floor so that the legs form a straight line and each leg is at right angles to the torso. adj divided, especially in two. splitter noun. split the difference 1 said of two people, groups, parties, etc: to come to a compromise where each makes an equal concession. 2 to divide a remaining amount equally. split hairs to make or argue about fine and trivial distinctions. split one's sides colloq to laugh uncontrollably.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Dutch splitten to cleave.