spline

/splaɪn/
noun
  1. A long, thin, flexible strip of wood, metal, or plastic used in engineering and construction to transmit rotational force or to create a smooth curve.
    • Engineers use a spline to connect the gears in the transmission.
    • The carpenter cut a spline to join the two pieces of wood together.
    • The mechanic replaced the worn spline on the drive shaft.
  2. A mathematical curve used in computer graphics and data fitting to create smooth, continuous shapes.
    • In the graphing software, you can adjust the spline to fit the data points.
    • The animator used a spline to make the character's arm move smoothly.
    • The designer created a curved path using a spline tool in the program.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To fit or join with a spline.
    • The technician will spline the new shaft into the assembly.
    • They spline the gears to ensure they rotate as one unit.
    • You need to spline the two boards together for a stronger joint.