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splinter definition

splin·ter (splin′tər)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

  1. to break or split into thin, sharp pieces
  2. to break into small parts or into groups with divergent views; fragment

Etymology: ME < MDu, akin to splinte, splint

noun

  1. a thin, sharp piece of wood, bone, etc., made by splitting or breaking; sliver
  2. a splinter group

adjective

designating a group that separates from a main party, church, etc. because of divergent views

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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