Wiktionary

gymnastics

English

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Various activities in gymnastics

Etymology

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From gymnastic: see -ics;[1] from Latin gymnasticus, from Ancient Greek γυμναστικός (gumnastikós), from γυμναστής (gumnastḗs, “athlete, gymnast”), from γῠμνᾰ́ζω (gŭmnắzō, “to train, exercise”), from γυμνός (gumnós, “naked”), because Greek athletes trained naked. By surface analysis, gymnast +‎ -ics.

Pronunciation

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  • (UK, US) IPA(key): /d͡ʒɪmˈnæs.tɪks/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

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gymnastics (countable and uncountable, plural gymnastics)

  1. A sport involving the performance of sequences of movements requiring physical strength, flexibility, and kinesthetic awareness.
    Gymnastics was a significant part of the physical education curriculum.
  2. Complex intellectual or artistic exercises or feats of physical agility.
    His mental gymnastics are legendary.
    • 1983 April 23, Ruth Borenstein, “Alive! Dazzles”, in Gay Community News, page 11:
      Her voice swooped and soared as she raced through some double time vocal gymnastics which included a beautifully clear horn impersonation.

Derived terms

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Descendants

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  • → Tagalog: dyimnastiks

Translations

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Translations to be checked

References

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  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2025), “gymnastics (n.)”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Further reading

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