splint
UK: /splɪnt/ | US: /splɪnt/
n. a rigid support used to immobilize a broken or injured bone.
n. a thin piece of wood or metal used in weaving or carpentry.
vt. to secure or support with a splint.
The word "splint" traces back to Middle Low German splinte, meaning a thin, stiff piece of wood or metal. It entered English in the late Middle Ages, retaining its core meaning of a rigid support. The term evolved to specifically denote medical devices for bone immobilization, reflecting its functional use in both carpentry and medicine. The morpheme is monomorphic, as it cannot be further divided while preserving its original spelling.
The doctor applied a splint to stabilize the fractured wrist.
She used a wooden splint to reinforce the woven basket.
After the accident, his leg was splinted to prevent further injury.
Medieval arrows were often fletched with feather splints.
The carpenter inserted a metal splint to align the warped frame.