1. to break into small fragments or pieces from within; to fracture internally without breaking the outer surface
The bone began to splinter internally after the impact.
O osso começou a lascar-se internamente após o impacto.
2. figuratively, to fracture or divide from within, as in an organization or group
The political party threatened to splinter internally due to ideological differences.
O partido político ameaçava lascar-se internamente devido a diferenças ideológicas.