Meaning & Definition of word "Splinter"

Splinter

/ˈsplɪn.tər/

1. A small, thin piece or fragment that has broken off from a larger object, typically made of wood.
- Example: He stepped on a splinter that had come off the wooden deck.
2. A small, sharp piece that has broken away, often causing injury.
- Example: After the storm, there were many splinters of wood scattered across the yard.
3. A group or faction that has broken away from a larger organization or movement.
- Example: The political party suffered a splinter group that disagreed with its core policies.

1. To break or split into thin, sharp fragments.
- Example: The old chair began to splinter after years of use.
2. To divide into smaller factions or groups.
- Example: The organization started to splinter when its members disagreed on the new policy.

Middle English splinter, from Old Dutch splinter, of uncertain origin.

splinter group:

A division formed from a larger group, often due to disagreement.

splintered wood:

Wood that has been broken into sharp, thin pieces.

splinter off:

To break away from a larger organization or entity.

shard:

A piece of broken ceramic, metal, glass, or rock.

fragment:

A small part broken or separated from something.

chip:

A small piece of something that is removed or broken off.

Meaning: To splinter off principle

Example Sentence: He decided to splinter off principle after the unjust decision.

Meaning: Splintered attention

Example Sentence: His splintered attention made it hard to focus on any one task.