Splice

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /splaɪs/
• Rhymes: -aɪs

Origin

From Dutch splissen (obsolete); akin to Middle Dutch splitten to split.

First known use: circa 1525

Full definition of splice

Noun

1. (nautical) A junction or joining of ropes made by splicing them together.
2. (electrical) The electrical and mechanical connection between two pieces of wire or cable.
3. (cricket) That part of a bat where the handle joins the blade.
4. Bonding or joining of overlapping materials.

Derived terms

• bent on a splice
• comma splice
• cut splice
• cunt splice
• eye splice
• splice tape

Verb

1. To unite, as two ropes, or parts of a rope, by a particular manner of interweaving the strands, -- the union being between two ends, or between an end and the body of a rope.
2. To unite, as spars, timbers, rails, etc., by lapping the two ends together, or by applying a piece which laps upon the two ends, and then binding, or in any way making fast.
3. (slang) To unite in marriage.
• 1851, Herman Melville, ,But come, it's getting dreadful late, you had better be turning flukes--it's a nice bed; Sal and me slept in that ere bed the night we were spliced.
4. (figuratively) To unite as if splicing.He argues against attempts to splice different genres or species of literature into a single composition.

Derived terms

• splice the mainbrace