Split-second
noun
1.
a fraction of a second.
2.
an infinitesimal amount of time; instant; twinkling.
split second
noun
1.
an extremely small period of time; instant
adjective (prenominal)
2.
made or arrived at in an infinitely short time: a split-second decision
3.
depending upon minute precision: split-second timing
split second
An instant, a fraction of a second, as in Our best swimmer came in a split second before theirs. This expression alludes to a stop watch that has two second hands, one above the other, for timing more than one athlete or intervals of a race by a single athlete. Each hand can be stopped independently of the other, so a second can be “split” when one second hand stops a fraction of a second after the other. [ c. 1880 ]
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- Splittable
verb (used with object), split, splitting. 1. to divide or separate from end to end or into layers: to split a log in two. 2. to separate by cutting, chopping, etc., usually lengthwise: to split a piece from a block. 3. to tear or break apart; rend or burst: The wind split the sail. 4. […]