férula
medical, everyday
A splint is a férula or a tablilla. Férula is the usual medical word and tablilla is the plainer word, literally "little board". The verb entablillar means to put on a splint. It is also called Entablillado.
Meaning: rigid support for an injured limb (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| férula | medical, everyday |
| Tablilla | everyday |
| Entablillado | splinted |
A doctor says Le vamos a poner una férula. In daily talk, Me pusieron una tablilla en el dedo is normal for a splinted finger.
Which one should you use?
For a full cast the word is yeso in Mexico, so un yeso is a cast and una férula is a lighter splint.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are feminine: la férula, una tablilla. The verb entablillar gives entablillado for the arm or finger that wears it.
Did you know?
- The word férula also names a rod used in old schools, which is why it appears in old expressions about discipline.
Examples in context
- Le pusieron una férula en la muñeca.They put a splint on his wrist.
- Traigo una tablilla en el dedo.I have a splint on my finger.
- El brazo quedó entablillado.The arm was splinted.
Example conversation
Dr. Ramos treats a boy named Chuy with a hurt finger at a clinic in Tijuana.
- Dr. RamosChuy, te voy a poner una férula.Chuy, I am going to put a splint on you.
- Chuy¿Cuántos días la traigo?How many days do I wear it?
- Dr. RamosUna semana. No la mojes.One week. Do not get it wet.
