Splint Meaning and Definition
Splint
Pronunciation
/splint/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A strip of flexible material, typically wood, plastic, or metal, used to support or immobilize a limb or body part, often in cases of injury or medical treatment.
Examples
- After breaking her arm, she had to wear a splint for several weeks to keep it stable.
- The doctor applied a splint to the patient’s leg to reduce the swelling.
- To prevent further injury, the coach decided to use a splint to immobilize the player’s ankle.
- The nurse instructed the patient to keep their arm in a splint to reduce the pain.
Synonyms
- Cast
- Foil
Etymology
The word “Splint” comes from the Middle English word “splinte,” which means “a thin piece of wood or other material used for padding or support.” This word is derived from the Old English words “splint” and “splind,” meaning “thin strip” and “a thin piece of wood,” respectively.
Usage Notes
In a medical context, a splint is often used to immobilize a broken or injured limb to prevent further damage or promote healing. In a theatrical context, a splint is used to support a prop or costume piece.
Cultural References
A recurring gag on the TV show “Parks and Recreation” involves the character Tom Haverford using a splint as a makeshift drink holder.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
In the phrase “splint in the works,” “splint” is used metaphorically to describe a contingency plan or backup strategy.
Related Words or Phrases
Immobilize
Collocations
Splint and cast are often used together in medical contexts.
Frequency of Use
Splint is a relatively infrequent word in modern language, often used in specialized contexts such as medicine or construction.
Common Misspellings
splunt, splent, slint, spint