long splice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical (Maritime), Archaic
Quick answer
What does “long splice” mean?
A nautical term for a specific method of permanently joining the ends of two ropes or cables to create a single, continuous, and strong line.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nautical term for a specific method of permanently joining the ends of two ropes or cables to create a single, continuous, and strong line.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a firm, lasting, and seamless union or connection between two entities, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The term is equally rare in both variants, confined to nautical or historical contexts.
Connotations
Implies skill, traditional seamanship, and a strong, reliable connection.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern general language; used almost exclusively in sailing manuals, historical fiction, or among traditional mariners.
Grammar
How to Use “long splice” in a Sentence
[Verb] a long splice (make/do/form)[Prepositional Phrase] with a long spliceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long splice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bosun will need to splice the cables into one long length.
- We had to splice the main brace after the storm.
American English
- The rigger spliced the ropes with expert skill.
- They needed to splice the torn line back together.
adverb
British English
- The ropes were joined long-spliced and ready for use. (hyphenated compound)
- The cable ran smoothly, having been spliced professionally.
American English
- The hawser was long-spliced to fit through the block. (hyphenated compound)
- The line was expertly spliced.
adjective
British English
- The spliced section was neatly served with twine.
- They inspected the spliced cable.
American English
- The spliced rope was as strong as new.
- They used a spliced loop for the anchor line.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in historical or maritime engineering texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context: sailing, rigging, traditional ropework.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long splice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long splice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long splice”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'connection'. Confusing it with 'split'. Incorrectly using 'long splice' as a verb phrase (e.g., 'They long spliced the ropes'). The standard verb is 'to make/do a long splice'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a properly made long splice is designed to retain most of the rope's original strength, but it is not stronger than an unbroken rope. Its advantage is creating a smooth, permanent join.
It is very difficult and not intended to be undone. It is a permanent joint, unlike a knot which can be untied.
Yes, but primarily in traditional sailing, restoration of historic vessels, and by enthusiasts of classic maritime skills. Modern synthetic ropes often use different joining methods.
A short splice is much shorter and creates a thickened, bulky section in the rope. A long splice is much longer (hence the name) and results in a join that is nearly the same diameter as the original rope, allowing it to pass through pulleys.
A nautical term for a specific method of permanently joining the ends of two ropes or cables to create a single, continuous, and strong line.
Long splice is usually technical (maritime), archaic in register.
Long splice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒŋ ˌsplaɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔːŋ ˌsplaɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use. The term itself is technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LONG rope + to SPLICE (join) = a LONG SPLICE makes one long rope from two.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LONG SPLICE is a METAPHOR FOR A PERMANENT, STRONG, AND SEAMLESS UNION (e.g., 'The merger was a long splice of the two companies').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'long splice' be most appropriately used?