noun / verb
splint
SPLINT/splɪnt/
A thin rigid strip of material.
The rigid splint supports the forearm beneath its securing straps.
Etymology
Probably from a word for a thin piece of iron, splint first named an armor strip. Its later use for a slender wooden strip led to the medical sense of a support holding an injured limb in place.
In context
He detected that he had a simple fracture, easy enough to treat. Dr. Mudd left Booth on the sofa, and he went upstairs, fashioned a splint.
More examples
- The basket maker weaves narrow oak splints into a sturdy base.
- A metal splint keeps his injured finger straight.
- The paramedic splints her wrist before moving her.
Forms
splint · splints · splinted · splinting