spline

[ splahyn ]

noun

1. a long, narrow, thin strip of wood, metal, etc.; slat.
2. a long, flexible strip of wood or the like, used in drawing curves.
3. Machinery.
   1. any of a series of uniformly spaced ridges on a shaft, parallel to its axis and fitting inside corresponding grooves in the hub of a gear, etc., to transmit torque.
   2. feather key.
4. Building Trades. a thin strip of material inserted into the edges of two boards, acoustic tiles, etc., to make a butt joint between them; a feather.
5. Mathematics, Engineering. a function that has specified values at a finite number of points and consists of segments of polynomial functions joined smoothly at these points, enabling it to be used for approximation and interpolation of functions.

verb (used with object)

, Machinery.

, splined, splin·ing.

1. to provide with a spline or key.
2. to provide with a keyway.

spline

/ splaɪn /

noun

1. any one of a series of narrow keys ( external splines ) formed longitudinally around the circumference of a shaft that fit into corresponding grooves ( internal splines ) in a mating part: used to prevent movement between two parts, esp in transmitting torque
2. a long narrow strip of wood, metal, etc; slat
3. a thin narrow strip made of wood, metal, or plastic fitted into a groove in the edge of a board, tile, etc, to connect it to another

verb

1. tr to provide (a shaft, part, etc) with splines

Word History and Origins

Origin of spline¹

First recorded in 1750–60; originally East Anglian dialect ; perhaps akin to splint; compare Old English splin “spindle”

Word History and Origins

Origin of spline¹

C18: East Anglian dialect; perhaps related to Old English splin spindle; see splint

Example Sentences

The rotating ratchet is in the band of the cylinder and has a spline in it, and a pall on its outside.

From Project Gutenberg

This shaft is driven by a spline and bevel gearing and is supported by a threaded feed-nut, carried in the lower bearing.

From Project Gutenberg

A very satisfactory ring is made by the writer's classes, by using chair spline.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a neat but weak joint unless reinforced by a spline, nails, or in some other way.

From Project Gutenberg

A spline or tongue miter is one which has a spline or tongue inserted at right angles to the joint.

From Project Gutenberg