noun / verb
spline
A flexible strip used to guide a smooth curve.
The designer bends a spline to draw a smooth curve.
Etymology
Spline originally concerns a slender strip or splinter. A flexible drafting spline guides a smooth curve by bending into the desired shape.
More examples
- Small weights hold the spline in place while I trace its edge.
- These splines bend easily around the points marked on the drawing.
- The software fits a spline through the plotted points.
Forms
spline · splines · splined · splining
Similar words
- flexible curve
- A bendable drawing guide that usually holds its adjusted shape.
- French curve
- A rigid drawing template with preset curves rather than adjustable bends.