spline

IPA/splaɪn/
IPA/splaɪn/

spline — noun

  • splinesingular
  • splinesplural

1. A long, narrow strip of wood, metal, or plastic that is fitted into a groove or

1.名詞B2
釋義

A long, narrow strip of wood, metal, or plastic that is fitted into a groove or joint to strengthen, connect, or seal parts of a building or piece of furniture.

例句

Trang nailed a wooden spline along the roof edge to keep the tiles secure.

spline + along [surface] for support

The carpenter cut a thin metal spline to reinforce the door frame.

同義詞
  • strip

    more general term, less specific to grooved joints

  • batten

    similar function but usually wider, used on outer surfaces

  • slat

    usually thinner and not fitted into a groove

文法句型

spline + along/in/into + [location]

用法筆記

In carpentry, the spline is slid into a pre-cut groove (a 'spline channel') to connect two boards edge-to-edge or to reinforce a joint.

常見錯誤

The carpenter added a splint to the wall.
The carpenter added a spline to the wall.
💡A splint is a medical device for broken bones; a spline is a building material.

2. A projecting ridge on a rotating shaft that fits into a matching groove on anoth

2.名詞C1
釋義

A projecting ridge on a rotating shaft that fits into a matching groove on another machine part, such as a gear or wheel, so that the two pieces rotate together and transfer power.

例句

Eli checked the spline on the drive shaft for signs of rust and wear.

check + spline + on [shaft]

When the spline broke, the gear could no longer turn the wheel properly.

同義詞
  • key

    broader term for any removable piece that prevents rotation

  • ridge

    describes the shape but not the mechanical function

  • cog

    similar function but usually refers to gear teeth

文法句型

spline + on [shaft]

spline + connects [X] to [Y]

用法筆記

In mechanical engineering, a spline differs from a key. A key is a separate removable piece inserted into a slot, while a spline is usually formed directly onto the shaft or part itself.

常見錯誤

The gears were connected by a splint.
The gears were connected by a spline.
💡Splint and spline are commonly confused; spline is the correct engineering term for a mechanical key.

3. In mathematics and computer graphics, a smooth curve made from connected polynom

3.名詞C2
釋義

In mathematics and computer graphics, a smooth curve made from connected polynomial pieces that passes through or near a set of data points, used for drawing shapes or estimating values between known measurements.

例句

The software uses a cubic spline to draw a smooth line through the survey data.

cubic spline — common math term

Eri applied a spline function to model the changing temperature over one year.

同義詞
  • interpolation function

    broader term for any function that estimates values between known data points

  • B-spline

    a specific type of spline with localized control over the curve shape

文法句型

spline + [function/curve/interpolation]

cubic spline

用法筆記

Distinguish from a simple curve: a spline is mathematically constructed from piecewise polynomial functions joined at 'knots' with a guaranteed degree of smoothness at each connection.

常見錯誤

A spline is any curved line on a graph.
A spline is a curve made of connected polynomial segments.
💡Not every curve is a spline; splines have a specific mathematical construction with guaranteed smoothness at junction points.