splice

[ splahys ]

verb (used with object)

, spliced, splic·ing.

1. to join together or unite (two ropes or parts of a rope) by the interweaving of strands.
2. to unite (timbers, spars, or the like) by overlapping and binding their ends.
3. to unite (film, magnetic tape, or the like) by butting and cementing.
4. to join or unite.
5. Genetics. to join (segments of DNA or RNA) together.
6. Informal. to unite in marriage:

   They'll be spliced in June.

noun

1. a joining of two ropes or parts of a rope by splicing.
2. the union or junction made by splicing.
3. a joining or junction of two pieces of timber, spar, etc., by overlapping and fastening the ends.
4. a joining of film, electromagnetic tape, or the like.

splice

/ splaɪs /

verb

1. to join (two ropes) by intertwining the strands
2. to join up the trimmed ends of (two pieces of wire, film, magnetic tape, etc) with solder or an adhesive material
3. to join (timbers) by overlapping and binding or bolting the ends together
4. informal.
   passive to enter into marriage

   the couple got spliced last Saturday

5. splice the mainbrace
   nautical history to issue and partake of an extra allocation of alcoholic spirits

noun

1. a join made by splicing
2. the place where such a join occurs
3. the wedge-shaped end of a cricket-bat handle or similar instrument that fits into the blade

splice

/ splīs /

1. To join together genes or gene fragments or insert them into a cell or other structure, such as a virus, by means of enzymes. In genetic engineering, scientists splice together genetic material to produce new genes or to alter a genetic structure. In messenger RNA, the introns are removed, and exons are spliced together to yield the final messenger RNA that is translated.
2. See also exon

Derived Forms

• ˈsplicer, noun

Other Words From

• splicea·ble adjective
• re·splice verb (used with object) respliced resplicing
• under·splice verb (used with object) underspliced undersplicing
• un·spliced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of splice¹

1515–25; < earlier Dutch splissen (now splitsen )

Word History and Origins

Origin of splice¹

C16: probably from Middle Dutch splissen; related to German spleissen, Swedish splitsa; see split

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. splice the main brace, Nautical.
   1. to issue a ration of spirits, as grog, to all hands.
   2. to drink spirits.

Example Sentences

The spliceosome and Group II introns are believed to share a common ancestor that was responsible for spreading introns throughout the genome, but while Group II introns can splice themselves out of RNA and then directly back into DNA, the "spliceosomal introns" that are found in most higher-level organisms require the spliceosome for splicing and were not believed to be reinserted back into DNA.

From Science Daily

The author wrote the forthcoming book, “Splice of Life: A Memoir in 13 Film Genres.”

From Los Angeles Times

When a gene is copied into a raw RNA transcript, it usually can be processed in different ways to form distinct splice variants or isoforms; thus, a single gene may produce several different proteins.

From Science Daily

He foresaw that new technologies — including those not yet invented — could put creative decisions in listeners’ hands, allowing them to adjust the tempi and mixes of recorded pieces in the home, adjust the sound mix to individual preference and even splice a section from one conductor’s performance of a familiar piece into another’s.

From Los Angeles Times

At the other end, Rushworth tests Holder with a short ball, which he pulls off the splice for no run.

From BBC

Related Words

• graft