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Splinter: meaning, definitions and examples

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splinter

 

[ ˈsplɪntər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

wood

A small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or similar material broken off from a larger piece.

Synonyms

fragment, shard, sliver

Examples of usage

  • Careful not to get a splinter from that old wooden bench.
  • She had to go to the doctor to have a splinter removed from her finger.
Context #2 | Verb

wood

To break or cause to break into small, sharp pieces.

Synonyms

fracture, fragment, shatter

Examples of usage

  • The impact of the hammer splintered the wooden plank.
  • The glass splintered into tiny shards upon impact.

Translations

Translations of the word "splinter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lasca

🇮🇳 कांटा

🇩🇪 Splitter

🇮🇩 serpihan

🇺🇦 скалка

🇵🇱 drzazga

🇯🇵 破片 (はへん)

🇫🇷 éclat

🇪🇸 astilla

🇹🇷 kıymık

🇰🇷 조각

🇸🇦 شظية

🇨🇿 tříska

🇸🇰 trieska

🇨🇳 碎片 (suìpiàn)

🇸🇮 trska

🇮🇸 spýta

🇰🇿 шашырандылар

🇬🇪 ნამსხვრევი

🇦🇿 qəlpə

🇲🇽 astilla

Etymology

The word 'splinter' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'splete', which means a chip or a splinter. It has been used since the 14th century to refer to a small, sharp piece of material. Splinters have been a common occurrence throughout history, often causing discomfort and sometimes infection if not properly removed. The verb form of 'splinter' emerged later, describing the action of breaking into small, sharp pieces.

See also: splint, splintered.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,521, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.