splinter

About 0.86 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A long, sharp fragment of material, often wood. A small such fragment that gets embedded in the flesh.
2. noun A small such fragment that gets embedded in the flesh.
3. noun A group that formed by splitting off from a larger membership.
4. noun A double-jump bid which indicates shortage in the bid suit.
5. noun A fragment of a component word in a blend.
6. verb To come apart into long sharp fragments.

   The tall tree splintered during the storm.

7. verb To cause to break apart into long sharp fragments.

   His third kick splintered the door.

8. verb To break, or cause to break, into factions.

   The government splintered when the coalition members could not agree.

Similar words

sliver flinders break away secede shard splitting fragment flash lustre glow

Often followed by

of groups group in from parties and the into

Word family

splintered splintering splinters splintery