backspringing
|back-spring-ing|
/ˈbækˌsprɪŋɪŋ/
(backspring)
jump/spring backward
Etymology
'backspring' originates from English, specifically a compound of the word 'back' and the word 'spring', where 'back' meant 'rear' and 'spring' (from Old English 'springan') meant 'to leap or jump'.
'backspring' developed as a compound in Modern English from Old English elements: 'back' (Old English 'bæc') + 'spring' (Old English 'springan'), producing the sense 'a springing backward' and later specialized to the gymnastic move 'backspring'.
Initially, the separate elements meant 'rear' and 'to spring', describing a backward leap; over time the compound became specialized to refer specifically to the gymnastic maneuver 'backspring'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a gymnastic move in which a person jumps or springs backward and lands, often with the hands touching the ground (also used for the act or performance of that move).
Her backspringing at the end of the routine earned applause.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 14:40