slit

[ slit ]

verb (used with object)

, slit, slit·ting.

1. to cut apart or open along a line; make a long cut, fissure, or opening in.
2. to cut or rend into strips; split.

noun

1. a straight, narrow cut, opening, or aperture.

slit

/ slɪt /

verb

1. to make a straight long incision in; split open
2. to cut into strips lengthwise
3. to sever

noun

1. a long narrow cut
2. a long narrow opening

Derived Forms

• ˈslitter, noun

Other Words From

• slitless adjective
• slitlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slit¹

1175–1225; Middle English slitte (noun), slitten (v.); cognate with German schlitzen to split, slit; akin to Old English slite a slit, geslit a bite, slītan to split; slice

Word History and Origins

Origin of slit¹

Old English slītan to slice; related to Old Norse slita, Old High German slīzen

Related Words

• rip
• slash