backstretch
UK[ˈbækstrɛtʃ]US[ˈbækˌstrɛtʃ]
n
The part of a racecourse opposite the homestretch and between the final turn and the starting point.
n
The area or building near a racetrack where horses are stabled and prepared for racing.
Morpheme Breakdown
back
stretch
back
rear
stretch
straight section
Etymology
The word 'backstretch' is a transparent compound formed within Modern English, specifically from the vocabulary of horse racing. It logically combines 'back', indicating the rear or opposite side relative to the grandstand and finish line, with 'stretch', a term for a straight run of track. This creates a clear spatial descriptor for the often less visible section of the oval. Its meaning later extended by metonymy to encompass the adjacent stable and training area located along that part of the course, central to the behind-the-scenes operations of the sport.
Analysis
Structure: back (rear) + stretch (straight section)
back: From Old English 'bæc', meaning the rear part of the body or an object. In this compound, it denotes the part located behind or opposite the main viewing area.
stretch: From Old English 'streccan', meaning to extend or lengthen. In racetrack terminology, it refers to a straight section of the track.
Examples
The horse made a strong move along the backstretch, gaining several positions before the final turn.
Trainers and grooms were busy in the backstretch long before dawn, preparing their horses for the day's races.
From our seats, we had a clear view of the entire backstretch as the field rounded the far turn.