Splinter
Noun
Definition: A small, thin, sharp fragment, usually of wood or glass, that has separated from a larger object.
Synonyms: Shard, Fragment, Sliver
Antonyms: Whole, Intact, Unbroken
Examples:
- He got a splinter in his finger from the wooden fence.
- The window shattered, sending splinters flying everywhere.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine a wooden splinter piercing through your skin.
Verb
Definition: To break or cause to break into small, sharp fragments.
Synonyms: Fragment, Shatter, Break
Antonyms: Combine, Unite, Mend
Examples:
- The impact of the hammer splintered the delicate glass vase.
- The wind splintered the old tree, causing branches to fall in all directions.
Mnemonics:
- Think of wood splitting into splinters under force.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'splentour' from Old English 'spleinter', ultimately from Proto-Germanic 'splintar'.
Historical Usage:The word has been used since Middle English and has maintained its core meaning of a small sharp fragment.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Splinter group"
Explanation:A small group or faction that breaks away from a larger organization or movement.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'splinter' (noun) with 'splinter' (verb).
Explanation:'Splinter' can be both a noun and a verb with distinct meanings in each usage.