Meaning of the word splinter in English

What does splinter mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

splinter

US /ˈsplɪn.t̬ɚ/
UK /ˈsplɪn.tər/

Noun

1.

a small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or similar material broken off from a larger piece

Example:
I got a splinter in my finger from the old wooden fence.
Be careful not to get a glass splinter from the broken bottle.
2.

a small, sharp piece of something that has broken off from a larger whole, especially a group or organization

Example:
The political party began to splinter into smaller factions.
A small splinter group broke away from the main organization.

Verb

1.

break or cause to break into small sharp fragments

Example:
The old wooden beam began to splinter under the heavy weight.
The impact caused the glass to splinter into a thousand pieces.
2.

divide into smaller, distinct groups

Example:
The organization began to splinter after disagreements among its leaders.
The movement threatened to splinter into several smaller groups.
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