Definition of: spline

(splīn) noun
1. Mech. A metal key permanently set into a slot in one of two connected rotating mechanical parts, as a shaft and a pulley, and engaging with a similar slot cut in the other, thus permitting both parts to have relative lengthwise motion, but not to rotate upon each other: also called feather, feather key.
2. A long, flexible strip of wood or hard rubber, used by mechanical draftsmen to lay down ship lines, railway curves, or similar work.
3. A thin strip or tongue of wood or metal used in matching grooved planks, making partitions, filling air spaces, etc.
—v.t. splined, splin·ing
1. To make a slot or groove in for a spline.
2. To fit with a spline. [? Related to SPLINT]
—splined adjective