checkerboard
UK[ˈtʃekəbɔːd]US[ˈtʃekərbɔːrd]
n
a board with a pattern of squares of two alternating colors, used especially for playing checkers or chess.
n
any pattern or arrangement resembling such a board.
Morpheme Breakdown
checker
board
checker
board
Etymology
the word 'checkerboard' is a transparent compound formed from two english elements. 'checker' derives from the game of checkers, itself from the exclamation 'check!', which entered english via old french 'eschec' from persian 'shāh' (king). 'board' originates from old english 'bord', meaning a plank or flat surface, from proto-germanic 'burdą'. the compound logically describes the specific board used for the game of checkers, characterized by its alternating colored squares. this pattern has since become a generic term for any similar alternating grid design.
Analysis
Structure: checker + board
checker (middle english, from the game of checkers) + board (old english 'bord', a flat piece of wood or other material).
Examples
the classic checkerboard pattern of black and red squares is instantly recognizable.
they set up the pieces on the checkerboard for a game of chess.
the floor of the grand hall was laid in a marble checkerboard.