1a rectangular key fitting into grooves in the hub and shaft of a wheel, especially one formed integrally with the shaft which allows movement of the wheel on the shaft.
a corresponding groove in a hub along which the key may slide.
2a slat of wood, metal, etc..
a flexible wood or rubber strip used especially in drawing large curves.
3 (also spline curve) Mathematics a continuous curve constructed so as to pass through a given set of points and have a certain number of continuous derivatives.
verb
[with object]
secure (a part) by means of a spline:the clutch units are splined on to the mainshaft
(usually as adjective splined) fit with a spline:splined freewheels
Origin:
mid 18th century (originally East Anglian dialect): perhaps related to splinter
