splice

[splahys] /splaɪs/
verb (used with object), spliced, splicing.
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
7.
a joining of two ropes or parts of a rope by splicing.
8.
the union or junction made by splicing.
9.
a joining or junction of two pieces of timber, spar, etc., by overlapping and fastening the ends.
10.
a joining of film, electromagnetic tape, or the like.
Idioms
11.
splice the main brace, Nautical.
  1. to issue a ration of spirits, as grog, to all hands.
  2. to drink spirits.
Origin
1515-25; < earlier Dutch splissen (now splitsen)
Related forms
spliceable, adjective
resplice, verb (used with object), respliced, resplicing.
undersplice, verb (used with object), underspliced, undersplicing.
unspliced, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for splice the main brace

splice

/splaɪs/
verb (transitive)
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.
(passive) (informal) to enter into marriage: the couple got spliced last Saturday
5.
(nautical history) splice the mainbrace, to issue and partake of an extra allocation of alcoholic spirits
noun
6.
a join made by splicing
7.
the place where such a join occurs
8.
the wedge-shaped end of a cricket-bat handle or similar instrument that fits into the blade
Derived Forms
splicer, noun
Word Origin
C16: probably from Middle Dutch splissen; related to German spleissen, Swedish splitsa; see split
Word Origin and History for splice the main brace

splice

v.

1520s, originally a sailors' word, from Middle Dutch splissen "to splice," ultimately from PIE *(s)plei- "to split, splice" (see flint). The Dutch word was borrowed in French as épisser. Used of motion picture film from 1912; of DNA from 1975. Related: Spliced; splicing.

splice the main brace in Science
splice
(splīs)
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. See also exon, intron.

Slang definitions & phrases for splice the main brace

splice the main brace

verb phrase

To have a drink of liquor (1850+ Nautical)


splice

verb

To marry • Most often in the passive: crying to be spliced (1751+)


Encyclopedia Article for splice the main brace

splice

permanent joining of two ropes by interweaving their strands. In the short splice the strands of each rope are unlayed (untwisted), interwoven, and tucked into the lay (twist) of the other rope. For neatness the strands are usually trimmed down before the final tuck is made.

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