spline

spline

In computer graphics, a smooth curve that runs through a series of given points. The term is often used to refer to any curve, because long before computers, a spline was a flat, pliable strip of wood or metal that was bent into a desired shape for drawing curves on paper. See Bezier and B-spline.

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spline [splīn]

(design engineering)

One of a number of equally spaced keys cut integral with a shaft, or similarly, keyways in a hubbed part; the mated pair permits the transmission of rotation or translatory motion along the axis of the shaft.

(engineering)

A strip of wood, metal, or plastic.

(graphic arts)

A flexible strip used in drawing curves.

(mathematics)

A function used to approximate a specified function on an interval, consisting of pieces which are defined uniquely on a set of subintervals, usually as polynomials or some other simple form, and which match up with each other and the prescribed function at the end points of the subintervals with a sufficiently high degree of accuracy.