[ splʌɪn ]
■ noun
1》 a rectangular key fitting into grooves in the hub and shaft of a wheel, especially one formed integrally with the shaft which allows movement of the wheel on the shaft.
↘a corresponding groove in a hub along which the key may slide.
2》 a slat.
3》 a flexible wood or rubber strip used especially in drawing large curves.
4》 Mathematics a continuous curve constructed so as to pass through a given set of points.
■ verb secure by means of a ~.
↘fit with a ~.
Origin
C18 (orig. East Anglian dialect): perh. related to splinter .