Splinter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
splinter
[หsplษชntษr ]
Definitions
wood
A small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or similar material broken off from a larger piece.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| splinter |
Appropriate when referring to a small, sharp piece of wood or other material that has broken off from a larger object. Often used in medical contexts when talking about a small piece sticking into someone's skin.
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| fragment |
Used to describe a small part that has broken off or detached from the whole. Can be used for various materials like glass, pottery, or even concepts like thoughts or memories.
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| sliver |
Usually refers to a thin, narrow piece of something, often implying a very small or fine portion. Can be used metaphorically for small amounts.
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| shard |
Commonly used to describe a sharp piece of broken glass or pottery. Often implies danger due to its sharp edges.
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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.
wood
To break or cause to break into small, sharp pieces.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| splinter |
Typically used when a material like wood breaks into thin, sharp pieces. Common in contexts involving injury or woodworking.
|
| shatter |
Usually refers to something breaking into many small pieces, typically with a violent force. Common with glass or ceramics.
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| fragment |
Used to describe a small part broken off from something larger. Often used in academic or archaeological discussions.
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| fracture |
Most often used in medical or geological contexts. Refers to the cracking or breaking of hard materials like bones or rocks.
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Examples of usage
- The impact of the hammer splintered the wooden plank.
- The glass splintered into tiny shards upon impact.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- In nature, splinters can form when trees or other plants are damaged, leading to sharp fragments that can cause injury.
- Certain animals, such as beavers, can cause large splinters when they gnaw through wood, creating sharp debris.
- In human anatomy, a splinter often causes an inflammatory response where the body tries to push it out to prevent infection.
Health and Safety
- Common in woodwork, splinters can be dangerous as they may get lodged in the skin and lead to infections if not properly removed.
- Doctors advise using antiseptics after removing splinters to minimize the risk of complications.
- Some people keep tweezers handy as a simple tool for splinter removal, emphasizing the importance of immediate care.
Art and Culture
- In literature, splinters can symbolize broken relationships or traumatic past experiences, representing hurt or pain.
- Artists sometimes use the concept of splinters in their work to reflect on fragmentation in human experience or society.
- The term has been used in music and poetry to convey themes of division and loss.
Origin of 'splinter'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'splintere', which has roots in the Old English 'splinter', meaning 'to split'.
- Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'splintaz' that relates to the action of splitting.
- In several languages, the word is related to splitting, such as the German 'Spalten', which means to split.
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.