splintering
nounUK /ˈsplɪn.tər.ɪŋ/
US /ˈsplɪn.tɚ.ɪŋ/
The act of breaking into small, sharp pieces.
The splintering of the old wooden fence scared the birds away.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The process of a group or organization dividing into smaller separate parts.
The splintering of the club led to two new groups.
3. A small, thin, sharp piece broken off from something hard.
He got a splintering piece of glass in his finger.
4. The sound of something breaking into thin, sharp pieces.
We heard the splintering of branches during the storm.