backstroke
UK[ˈbækstrəʊk]US[ˈbækstroʊk]
n
a swimming stroke performed on the back, in which the arms are moved alternately backwards and the legs perform a flutter kick.
n
a race or a style of swimming in which competitors use the backstroke.
Morpheme Breakdown
back
stroke
back
position
stroke
action
Etymology
the word 'backstroke' is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. 'back' originates from old english 'bæc', a common germanic term for the rear part of the body, which itself has proto-indo-european roots. 'stroke' derives from old english 'strāc', meaning a blow or an act of striking, related to the verb 'strican' (to go, move). in the context of swimming, 'stroke' evolved to denote a specific type of arm and body movement through water. the compound logically describes the swimming style defined by its supine position ('back') and its characteristic arm motion ('stroke').
Analysis
Structure: back (position) + stroke (action)
back (old english, meaning the rear part of the body; here indicating position) + stroke (old english, meaning an act of striking or a movement; here indicating a specific swimming action)
Examples
she won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke.
his backstroke technique is very efficient and smooth.
during the lesson, the coach focused on improving their backstroke.