splintering

/ˈsplɪntərɪŋ/
noun
  1. The process of breaking into small, sharp pieces, or the result of such breaking.
    • The splintering of the glass startled everyone in the room.
    • The carpenter sanded the wood to prevent splintering.
    • The splintering of the old fence made it dangerous to touch.
  2. The process by which a larger group or organization breaks into smaller, separate groups.
    • Historians studied the splintering of the empire into independent states.
    • The splintering of the political party led to three new smaller parties.
    • The splintering of the community over the issue caused lasting tension.
adjective
  1. Tending to break into splinters; likely to produce splinters.
    • The splintering wood needed to be replaced before someone got hurt.
    • The old splintering dock was closed for repairs.
    • She wore gloves to handle the splintering bamboo stalks.
What does "splintering" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean