n.1. A thin piece split off from a larger piece; a splinter.
2. a. A rigid device used to prevent motion of a joint or of the ends of a fractured bone.
b. A dental appliance put on the teeth to protect them from grinding or from moving out of place.
3. A thin, flexible wooden strip, such as one used in the making of baskets or chair bottoms.
4. A plate or strip of metal.
5. A bony enlargement of the cannon bone or splint bone of a horse.