frisbee
UK[ˈfrɪzbi]US[ˈfrɪzbi]
n
a light plastic disk shaped like a plate, thrown between players in a game.
Etymology
the word 'frisbee' is a classic example of a proprietary eponym, where a brand name becomes the generic term for an object. it originates from the frisbie pie company, founded in bridgeport, connecticut, in the 1870s. students at nearby yale university reportedly began tossing the company's empty pie tins for amusement, coining the verb "to frisbie." when fred morrison and warren francioni later marketed a plastic flying disc in the 1950s, they initially called it the "pluto platter." the wham-o company, which bought the rights, learned of the college craze and officially renamed the toy the "frisbee," intentionally altering the spelling to avoid trademark issues. thus, the modern word directly memorializes the pie company whose disposable tins inspired the game.
Analysis
this is a proprietary eponym (a word derived from a name). it does not break down into meaningful, reusable morphemes in english.
Examples
we spent the afternoon in the park throwing a frisbee.
the dog leaped into the air and caught the frisbee in its mouth.
ultimate frisbee is a popular team sport that combines elements of football and basketball.