spline

== English == === Etymology === Mid-1700s East Anglian dialect. Origin uncertain but perhaps from Old Danish splind or North Frisian splinj and ultimately related to the root of splinter. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈsplaɪ̯n/, [ˈsplaɪ̯n] Rhymes: -aɪn Hyphenation: spline === Noun === spline (plural splines) A long, thin piece of metal or wood. [from the mid 18th c] (woodworking) A strip of wood or other material inserted into grooves in each of two pieces of wood to provide additional surface for gluing. Coordinate terms: biscuit, dowel, glue strip, finger joint A flexible strip of metal or other material, that may be bent into a curve and used in a similar manner to a ruler to draw smooth curves between points. (mathematics, computing) Any of a number of smooth curves used to join points. (mechanics) A ridge or tooth on a drive shaft that meshes with a corresponding groove in a mating piece and transfers torque to it, maintaining the angular correspondence between the pieces; either the ridge or the groove, as part of a set of both (splines); the whole set of ridges and grooves. A rectangular piece that fits grooves like key seats in a hub and a shaft, so that while the one may slide endwise on the other, both must revolve together. Coordinate term: key Near-synonym: feather ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === spline (third-person singular simple present splines, present participle splining, simple past and past participle splined) (mathematics, computing) To smooth (a curve or surface) by means of a spline. (engineering) To fit with a spline. (engineering) To fasten to or together with a spline. ==== See also ==== === References === James A. H. Murray et al., editors (1884–1928), “Spline”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC. === Anagrams === pensil, Eplins, Pilsen, spinel, pinsel, L-spine, Esplin