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noun

splint

splihnt

Splint (noun) means a rigid support used to hold an injured body part, like a broken bone, in place. Example: “The nurse fitted a splint to his broken finger.”

noun
1
A rigid support used to hold an injured body part, like a broken bone, in place.
"The nurse fitted a splint to his broken finger."
verb
1
To immobilize an injured limb with a rigid support.
"They splinted her ankle before carrying her down the mountain."

How to use splint

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA stiff support strapped to an injured body part, or the act of applying one.

Common pairings
apply a splint splint a broken bone

Word forms

splinted past tense, splints plural, splints singular

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The nurse fitted a _____ to his broken finger.

Etymology

From Middle English splint, splente, related to Middle Low German splinte and Middle Dutch splint, ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to split," referring to a thin piece of wood.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for splint

See all rhymes for splint →

Frequently asked questions

What does “splint” mean?

The word “splint” means a rigid support used to hold an injured body part, like a broken bone, in place. In plain terms, a stiff support strapped to an injured body part, or the act of applying one.

How do you pronounce “splint”?

“Splint” is pronounced splihnt (/splɪnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “splint” in a sentence?

Here is “splint” used in a sentence: “The nurse fitted a splint to his broken finger.”

What part of speech is “splint”?

Depending on how it is used, “splint” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “splint” come from?

The word “splint” comes from Middle English. From Middle English splint, splente, related to Middle Low German splinte and Middle Dutch splint, ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to split," referring to a thin piece of wood.

How many meanings does “splint” have?

“Splint” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rigid support used to hold an injured body part, like a broken bone, in place.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial