splice

1 of 2

verb

spliced; splicing

transitive verb

1
a
: to unite (two ropes or two parts of a rope) by interweaving the strands
b
: to unite (two lengths of magnetic tape, photographic film, etc.) by overlapping and securing together two ends
2
: to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
3
: to combine or insert (something) by genetic engineering
spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium
splicer noun

splice

2 of 2

noun

1
: a joining or joint made by splicing something
2

Illustration of splice

Illustration of splice
  • splice 1

Examples of splice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Today’s Life Lesson, Inspired By George Martin Don’t be afraid to attempt the impossible (like splicing together two takes of a track in different keys and different tempos). Darryn King, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 One thing most impressive about having Jolie blend her voice with that of Maria Callas is that the actress had to emulate what the diva did on stage, originally, for the sake of splicing together their performances. A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
If there is a problem with the splice, the transmission line could fall. Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Related article Baseball icon Willie Mays, one of the game’s most electrifying and complete players, has died at 93 That short splice of film is our version of getting to see Mays play. Harry Enten, CNN, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for splice 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

obsolete Dutch splissen; akin to Middle Dutch splitten to split

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of splice was circa 1525

Dictionary Entries Near splice

Cite this Entry

“Splice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splice. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

splice

1 of 2 verb
spliced; splicing
1
: to unite (as two ropes) by weaving the strands together
2
: to unite (as pieces of film) by connecting the ends together
3
: to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
splicer noun

splice

2 of 2 noun
: a joining or joint made by splicing

Medical Definition

splice

transitive verb
spliced; splicing
: to join together or insert (as segments of RNA or DNA) to form new genetic combinations
spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium
see gene-splicing

More from Merriam-Webster on splice

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