SPLIT

Definitions

1. 1. To divide lengthwise; to separate from end to end, esp. by force; to divide in the direction of the grain layers; to rive; to cleave; as, to split a piece of timber or a board; to split a gem; to split a sheepskin. Cold winter split the rocks in twain. Dryden.
2. 2. To burst; to rupture; to rend; to tear asunder. A huge vessel of exceeding hard marble split asunder by congealed water. Boyle.
3. 3. To divide or break up into parts or divisions, as by discord; to separate into parts or parties, as a political party; to disunite. [Colloq.] South.
4. 4. To divide or separate into components; -- often used with up; as, to split up sugar into alcohol and carbonic acid. To split hairs, to make distinctions of useless nicety.