Splits and there are peals of laughter (6)

I believe the answer is:

bursts

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'splits' is the definition.
('burst' can be a synonym of 'split')

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for bursts that I've seen before include "Explodes or breaks open" , "Spurts" , "Explodes from inside pressure like balloon" , "Explodes or ruptures" , "Breaks open suddenly" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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