spline
n//splaɪn//ri-funktion, rifunktion, spline
A flexible strip of metal or other material, that may be bent into a curve and used in a similar manner to a ruler to draw smooth curves between points.
(mathematics, computing) Any of a number of smooth curves used to join points.
(mechanics) A ridge or tooth on a drive shaft that meshes with a corresponding groove in a mating piece and transfers torque to it, maintaining the angular correspondence between the pieces; either the ridge or the groove, as part of a set of both (splines); the whole set of ridges and grooves.