Splinters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ชต
splinters
[หsplษชntษrz ]
Definitions
wood
Small, thin, sharp fragments of wood that have broken off from a larger piece.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| splinters |
This word is typically used to describe thin, sharp pieces of wood, and often comes from something breaking, like a piece of furniture or wooden structure.
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| fragments |
Fragments are small parts of something that has broken off, usually used for materials like glass, metal, or pottery. The word can also metaphorically refer to parts of a story, memory, or concept.
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| shards |
Shards refer specifically to sharp pieces of broken glass, ceramic, or similar brittle materials. The term often conveys a sense of danger due to the sharpness.
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| slivers |
Slivers describe very thin, narrow pieces of material, often used for thin slices of food, wood, or even metal. The term conveys a sense of fineness and delicacy.
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Examples of usage
- The carpenter removed the splinters from the wooden table.
- She got a splinter in her finger while working in the garden.
emotional
Small, sharp feelings of pain or discomfort, usually associated with emotional distress.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| splinters |
Used to describe small, sharp pieces of wood or other material that break off and embed in the skin, often causing minor pain or irritation.
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| pain |
Used to describe the physical sensation of a strong or intense feeling of discomfort, symptoms of injury, illness, or emotional hurt. It can vary in intensity.
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| discomfort |
Used to describe a mild or moderate physical or emotional unease or irritation. It can refer to both physical sensations and feelings.
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| anguish |
Used to describe intense mental or emotional suffering, often associated with grief, heartbreak, or severe distress. This word has a strong, negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His heart was full of splinters after the breakup.
- She felt a splinter of guilt when she realized her mistake.
conversation
To interrupt a conversation or discussion with a sharp, unrelated remark.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| splinters |
Used to describe small, sharp fragments that break off from a larger piece, usually of wood. These are often painful if they get under the skin.
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| interrupt |
Commonly used to describe stopping someone from speaking or continuing their action, often temporarily. It can have a negative connotation if done rudely.
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| derail |
Commonly used in the context of trains when they go off the tracks. It's also used metaphorically to describe plans or processes that go wrong or are interrupted in a significant way.
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| divert |
Used when something is redirected from its intended path or purpose. This can be physical, like a road being rerouted, or more abstract, like attention being shifted.
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Examples of usage
- He would always splinter the conversation with jokes.
- Don't splinter our meeting with irrelevant topics.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Splinters can cause infections if not removed properly, highlighting the importance of care in wound management.
- Children are particularly prone to splinters while playing outdoors, making it essential for parents to check their hands and feet after play.
- Removing splinters can be done using clean tweezers, and sometimes a warm compress can help ease discomfort.
Cultural References
- In literature and film, splinters often symbolize small yet painful challenges that a character must overcome.
- The expression 'splinters in one's mind' refers to the idea of conflicting thoughts or feelings that cause distress.
- Folklore often mentions wooden objects, where splinters signify hidden dangers beneath seemingly innocent appearances.
Art and Craft
- Woodworkers often deal with splinters while crafting furniture, emphasizing the need for safety in their trade.
- Sculptors might intentionally leave some splintered edges on wood sculptures to preserve a raw, natural aesthetic.
- In various cultures, traditional crafts like basket weaving or wood carving highlight techniques to minimize splintering.
Science
- In physics, splinters can symbolize fragmentation, where materials break apart under stress or force.
- Biologists study splinter-like structures in fossils to understand the environmental conditions of ancient habitats.
- The study of fractures in materials shows how splinters behave in different substances, aiding in engineering innovations.
Origin of 'splinters'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'splinter' originates from Old English 'splinter', which means 'to split'.
- In Middle Dutch, the word 'splinter' also meant 'to split' or 'shard', reflecting a similar meaning across languages.
- The evolution of the word showcases how languages adapt and maintain connections to original meanings over centuries.
The word 'splinters' originated from Middle English 'splentere', which came from Old English 'spleontrian', meaning to splinter or chip. The concept of splinters has been present throughout human history due to the nature of wood and other materials that can break into small, sharp fragments.