calisthenics

[kal-uh s-then-iks] /ˌkæl əsˈθɛn ɪks/

noun

(used with a plural verb) gymnastic exercises designed to develop physical health and vigor, usually performed with little or no special apparatus.

(used with a singular verb) the art, practice, or a session of such exercises.

Also, callisthenics.

Origin

1840-50; cali- (variant of calli-) + Greek sthén(os) strength + -ics

Related forms

calisthenic, calisthenical, adjective

Examples from the web for calisthenics

Then he does calisthenics at the gym, followed by work with a strength and conditioning coach and sparring.
The workout began with calisthenics and rope jumping, he said.
They come to exercise a newly won right, doing calisthenics in a public spot.
One of these fights features strange calisthenics and unearthly shrieks.
Always warm up by walking or doing gentle calisthenics before doing intensive exercise or your back exercises.
The fast river made in-water warmup impossible, and the staging of athletes in pens made calisthenics impossible.
Muscle strengthening can be done with a weight program, heavy gardening, or push-ups and calisthenics.
Circuit training and calisthenics can also be considered for this phase.
Sailors did calisthenics, marched, and even played baseball and football.

British Dictionary definitions for calisthenics

calisthenics

/ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

noun

a variant spelling (esp US) of callisthenics

Derived Forms

calisthenic, adjective

callisthenics

/ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks/

noun

(functioning as pl) light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc

(functioning as sing) the practice of callisthenic exercises

Derived Forms

callisthenic, calisthenic, adjective

Word Origin

C19: from calli- + Greek sthenos strength

Word Origin and History for calisthenics

1847 (calisthenic (adj.) is from 1839), formed on model of French callisthenie, from Latinized comb. form of Greek kallos "beauty" + sthenos "strength" + -ics. Originally, gymnastic exercises suitable for girls and meant to develop the figure and promote graceful movement. The proper Greek, if there was such a word in Greek, would have been *kallistheneia.

calisthenics in Medicine

calisthenics cal·is·then·ics (kāl'ĭs-thěn'ĭks)
pl.n.
Gymnastic exercises, such as sit-ups, designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical fitness.