spline
spline
UK[splaɪn]US[splaɪn]
n
a flexible strip of wood, rubber, or metal used in drawing curves.
n
a key or ridge fitting into a groove on a shaft, allowing it to move lengthwise while turning.
n
in mathematics and computing, a continuous curve constructed so as to pass through a given set of points and have a certain degree of smoothness.
Etymology
the word 'spline' is of uncertain origin, but it is likely a dialectal variant of the older word 'splinter'. it first appeared in east anglian dialect in the 18th century, referring to a flexible strip of wood used by draftsmen. the mathematical sense, denoting a piecewise polynomial function used for smooth interpolation, is a 20th-century development coined by isaac jacob schoenberg in 1946. this technical term was adopted by analogy to the flexible drafting tool, as both create smooth curves from a set of fixed points.
Analysis
the word is a simplex. its origin is not transparently composed of separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the carpenter used a wooden spline to draw the smooth arc for the boat's hull.
the mechanic checked the splines on the drive shaft for any signs of wear.
the graphic designer used a cubic spline to create a perfectly smooth transition between the points.