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

In an international study led by Goethe University, researchers have now identified a mechanism that interferes with the splicing process in a more subtle way.

From Science Daily

The line was read by an AI-generated voice that sounded uncannily like Harris’ and then spliced into a speech Harris actually gave.

From Los Angeles Times

It was even spliced into footage of King Charles revealing his official portrait at Buckingham Palace in May.

From BBC

These varied proteins, or isoforms, mostly arise from alternative splicing -- a process that is highly prevalent in the brain and contributes to its wide range of proteins and characteristics.

From Science Daily

They are DNA sequences that interrupt the sensible protein-coding information in your genes, and need to be "spliced out."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• graft