What does splicing mean?
Splicing means joining separate pieces into a continuous whole by cutting, overlapping, or fitting them together. The term is especially familiar from molecular biology, where gene splicing and RNA splicing involve combining DNA segments or processing RNA transcripts. It is also used in electrical work for joining cables and in audiovisual editing for joining film or tape. As a verb, splicing describes the act of making such a connection: editors may splice together recordings, technicians may splice cable, and laboratories may splice genetic material. The word often carries a technical tone, but it can also be used figuratively to describe combining distinct elements. Its precision comes from implying a deliberate joining process rather than merely placing two objects side by side. It is therefore useful for describing both physical connections and the deliberate construction of a unified sequence, system, or composition.
The act or process of joining two or more pieces by cutting, overlapping, or fitting them together; especially the joining of DNA or RNA segments.
"The splicing of DNA fragments produced a construct that could be introduced into bacteria."
Often used in specialist fields; in biology, the precise meaning depends on whether DNA, RNA, or another type of material is being joined.
To join two or more pieces by cutting, overlapping, or fitting them together.
"The editor spliced together several historical clips to create the opening sequence."
As a verb, it commonly appears in technical contexts such as genetics, telecommunications, and audiovisual editing.
Rare; the word is normally used as an uncountable noun for the process or as a gerund.
"The laboratory documented several separate splicings of the gene construct."
Splicing takes two separate pieces and makes them one continuous thing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splicing come from?
The word derives from the English verb splice, which is attested from the 16th century and was probably influenced by Old French. The ultimate origin of the term is uncertain, so etymological claims beyond its early English and French connections should be treated cautiously.
Related word forms
How splicing is actually used
The word is most common in technical contexts, especially molecular biology, electrical work, and audio or film production. In general use, it may sound specialized, though the verb can also be used figuratively for joining people, organizations, or parts of a whole.