splinters Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun wood in small pieces or splinters
   matchwood.
   
   • the vessel was beaten to matchwood on the rocks
2. noun a small thin sharp bit or wood or glass or metal
   splinter; sliver.
   
   • he got a splinter in his finger
   • it broke into slivers
3. verb withdraw from an organization or communion
   splinter; break away; secede.
   
   • After the break up of the Soviet Union, many republics broke away
4. verb divide into slivers or splinters
   splinter; sliver.
   
5. verb break up into splinters or slivers
   splinter; sliver.
   
   • The wood splintered

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