Splint in Irish (Cléithín): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for splint?

The Irish for splint is cléithín (pronounced “KLAY-heen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cléithíní. Depending on context it can also mean small rod.

Q: What is the plural of splint in Irish?

The plural of cléithín is cléithíní; with the article, na cléithíní means “the splints”. The genitive plural is cléithíní, as in cur na gcléithíní (the fitting of the splints).

Q: Does cléithín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cléithín can mean splint or small rod, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “splint” in Irish

Irish:: cléithín
English:: splint, small rod
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “KLAY-heen” /ˈclʲeːhiːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cléithíní (splints)
Genitive singular:: cléithín, an chléithín (e.g. fad an chléithín, length of the splint)
Genitive plural:: cléithíní, na gcléithíní (e.g. cur na gcléithíní, the fitting of the splints)

What does “cléithín” mean?

“Cléithín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

splint: A rigid strip of material bound to an injured limb to keep a broken bone in place.Also: medical splint, bone splint.

1 other meaning: small rod

2small rod: A small stake, rod or wattle, such as one used in fencing or building.Also: small stake, wattle, lath.

“Cléithín” with the article

The plural of splint in Irish is cléithíní. Here is cléithín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cléithín

the splint

No change after an

na cléithíní

the splints

Plural: no change after na

“Cléithín” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cléithín, the Irish word for splint.

Chuir an dochtúir cléithín ar a lámh.

The doctor put a splint on his arm.

Tá an cléithín rótheann ar mo chos.

The splint is too tight on my leg.

Bhí a méar i gcléithín ar feadh míosa.

Her finger was in a splint for a month.

Bain an cléithín de go cúramach.

Take the splint off carefully.

Coinnítear cléithíní sa bhosca garchabhrach.

Splints are kept in the first aid box.

Ní raibh mórán compord sa chléithín.

There was not much comfort in the splint.

Cheangail sé an planda le cléithín beag.

He tied the plant to a small rod.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

céilespouse cathaircity GaeilgeIrish ÉireIreland láday cónaíliving

Splint in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for splint?

The Irish for splint is cléithín (pronounced “KLAY-heen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cléithíní. Depending on context it can also mean small rod.

How do you pronounce cléithín in Irish?

Cléithín is said like “KLAY-heen” (IPA /ˈclʲeːhiːnʲ/).

What is the plural of splint in Irish?

The plural of cléithín is cléithíní; with the article, na cléithíní means “the splints”. The genitive plural is cléithíní, as in cur na gcléithíní (the fitting of the splints).

Does cléithín have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cléithín can mean splint or small rod, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cléithín change to chléithín or gcléithín?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cléithín becomes mo chléithín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcléithín (eclipsis).

How is 'cléithín' related to 'cleith'?

'Cléithín' is a diminutive related to 'cleith' (a pole or stake), which is why it means a small rod and, by extension, a splint.

Splint in Irish (Cléithín): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage