trampoline
trampoline
UK[ˌtræmpəˈliːn]US[ˈtræmpəliːn]
n
A strong fabric sheet connected by springs to a frame, used for jumping on for fun or as a sport.
n
A piece of gymnastic or exercise equipment consisting of a similar resilient surface.
Etymology
The word 'trampoline' entered English in the late 18th century from Italian trampolino, meaning 'springboard'. The Italian term itself is a derivative of trampoli, meaning 'stilts', which likely has Germanic roots, possibly related to the Low German trampeln meaning 'to trample'. The semantic journey connects the concept of elevated, springy support (stilts, springboard) to the modern recreational and athletic apparatus. The logic of the word's evolution is tied to the function of bouncing or being elevated through a resilient, taut surface.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. Its spelling and form were adopted as a whole from Italian.
Examples
The children spent the afternoon jumping on the backyard trampoline.
She trained as an acrobat and performed complex flips on the trampoline.
Using a mini trampoline, or rebounder, is a popular form of low-impact exercise.