Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thin, narrow strip of material: A "spline" is a thin strip, typically made of wood or metal, used in construction or manufacturing.
   • A flexible strip for drawing curves: In drafting or design, a "spline" is a flexible strip, often of wood or rubber, bent to draw smooth curves.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The carpenter used a wooden spline to align the two pieces of the frame.
  • The drafter used a flexible spline to draw the complex curve on the blueprint.

Advanced Usage

• In mathematics and computing: In numerical analysis and computer graphics, a "spline" refers to a piecewise polynomial function used for interpolation and smoothing of data points.
  • The 3D model was created using a cubic spline for smooth surfaces.
• In mechanical engineering: A "spline" can refer to a ridge or tooth on a shaft that meshes with grooves in a mating piece to transmit torque.
  • The gear is connected to the shaft via a spline to prevent slipping.

Variants and Related Words

• Spline function (n): The mathematical function defined by a spline.
• Spline shaft (n): A shaft with splines for mechanical connection.
• Spline interpolation (n): A method of interpolation using spline functions.

Synonyms

• Strip: A long, narrow piece of material.
• Slat: A thin, narrow piece of wood or metal.
• Lath: A thin, flat strip of wood.

Related Phrases

• Fit a spline: To install or adjust a spline.
  • The mechanic had to fit a new spline onto the drive shaft.
• Spline curve: A curve generated using a spline.
  • The designer adjusted the spline curve to perfect the car's aerodynamic profile.

Noun

1. a thin strip (wood or metal)
2. a flexible strip (wood or rubber) used in drawing curved lines