spline noun & verb. [splʌɪn] M18.
[Orig. East Anglian dial.: perh. rel. to SPLINTER noun.]
A. noun.
1. A long thin narrow piece of wood, metal, etc.; a slat. M18.
b. spec. A flexible strip of wood, rubber, etc., used in drawing curves. L19.

2. A rectangular key fitting into grooves in the hub and shaft of a wheel etc. so as to allow movement of the wheel on the shaft; esp. one formed integrally with the shaft. Also, a corresponding groove in a hub along which the key may slide. M19.

3. Math. A continuous curve constructed so as to pass through a given set of points and have continuous first and second derivatives. Also spline curve. M20.
b. verb trans. Fit or provide with a spline. L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲