rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysplinterSharp fragment
noun / verb / adjective

splinter

SPLIN-tur/ˈsplɪntər/

A thin fragment breaking from a larger whole.

A sharp splinter projects from the broken plank beside smaller chips.

A thin sharp wooden splinter protrudes from a broken plank beside tiny chips, macro object scene.
Etymology
splinterMiddle Dutchsplinter

Middle Dutch splinter already named this kind of fragment. The early English sense emphasized a sharp-edged sliver broken lengthwise, especially from wood—the same characteristic shape central to the current meaning.

In context

Chrome for Developers149:59
pulled out like an inch of bamboo fiber, a splinter that I apparently swallowed that just lodged in the back of my throat.
Progressive Web App Summit 2016 - Day 1

More examples

  • The dry boards splinter when we pry them loose.
  • The coalition splintered into rival factions after the election.
  • A splinter group leaves the party to form its own organization.

Forms

splinter · splinters · splintered · splintering

Similar words

sliver
A very thin piece, not necessarily sharp or broken off.
shard
A sharp broken piece, especially of glass or pottery.
chip
A small broken piece, usually shorter and less needlelike.