backstretches
|back- stretch- es|
/ˈbækˌstrɛtʃɪz/
(backstretch)
rear straight of a racetrack / later stage
Etymology
'backstretch' originates from English, a compound of 'back' and 'stretch', where 'back' meant 'the rear part' and 'stretch' meant 'a lengthened area or reach'.
'backstretch' arose in American English in the context of horse racing in the 19th century as a compound of Old English-derived elements: 'back' (from Old English 'bæc') and 'stretch' (from Old English 'streccan' via Middle English), coming to denote specifically the rear straight of a racetrack and later the stabling area behind the grandstand.
Initially it referred specifically to the rear straight section of a racetrack; over time it also came to refer metonymically to the stables and the people working there (the racing 'backstretch').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'backstretch' meaning the straight portion(s) of a racetrack opposite the grandstand (the section between two turns).
Different tracks' backstretches can vary greatly in length, affecting race tactics.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural form of 'backstretch' referring to the stable and service area behind the grandstand and the people who work there (the racing stable sector).
Many young workers on the racing circuit start their careers in the backstretches of small local tracks.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of the verb 'backstretch' (rare). As a verb, 'backstretch' can mean to stretch the back or to extend the rear portion; this form is used when the subject is singular (he/she/it backstretches).
After the long run, she backstretches to ease the tension in her lower back.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 20:58