splitter

Everyday

1. A device or tool that splits something, like a log splitter or a cable splitter that lets one signal go to two machines. tree →
2. (UK, informal) A person who leaves a group or party to form a new one. tree →
3. (informal) In sorting and naming things, a splitter divides them into many small groups (opposite: a lumper). tree →
4. (cricket, baseball) A type of throw or bowl that makes the ball drop or move. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a headphone splitter lets two people listen to one device; a log splitter chops firewood. In science, «lumpers and splitters» argue about how many species there are. In politics news, «splitters» break away from a party.

Examples

• We used a headphone splitter to share the music. tree →
• Grandad uses a log splitter to chop wood. tree →
• The TV splitter sends the signal to two rooms. tree →
• The splitters left the party and started their own. tree →
• Some scientists are lumpers; others are splitters who name many species. tree →
• He pitched a splitter and struck out the batter. tree →

Note

Countable; from «split» (double t). In plumbing and electronics it's a common shop word.