springboard
[
spring
-bawrd, -bohrd]
/ˈsprɪŋˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd/
noun
1.
a flexible
board
, projecting over water, from which divers leap or
spring
.
2.
a flexible
board
used as a takeoff in vaulting, tumbling, etc., to increase the height of leaps.
3.
something that supplies the impetus or conditions for a beginning, change, or progress; a point of departure:
a lecture to serve as a springboard for a series of seminars.
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4.
to impel or launch on or as if on a springboard.
Origin
1865-70;
spring
+
board
Examples from the web for
springboard
It can also be a natural
springboard
to developing a deeper interest in our own communities and history.
He may be thankful if the given palette of colors is rich, if the
springboard
is light.
Every little idea is a
springboard
when you have writer's block.
The extinction of the dinosaurs is a great
springboard
for a consideration of the risks of climate change.
Our natural concepts are as much a hindrance to thought as they are a
springboard
for it.
So his personal and political downfall would hardly seem the
springboard
for comedy.
Of course, they will use this as a
springboard
to continue to multiply these misleading arguments.
It might give them a
springboard
to continue with better funding if they were doing other sciences as well.
The vast energy- and vote-rich state makes for a superb political
springboard
at any time, but it is especially so now.
Now, it kind of serves as a
springboard
for us to start a company.
British Dictionary definitions for
springboard
springboard
/
ˈsprɪŋˌbɔːd
/
noun
1.
a flexible board, usually projecting low over the water, used for diving
2.
a similar board used for gaining height or momentum in gymnastics
3.
(
Austral & NZ
) a board inserted into the trunk of a tree at some height above the ground on which a lumberjack stands to chop down the tree
4.
anything that serves as a point of departure or initiation
Word Origin and History for
springboard
n.
1799, from
spring
(v.) +
board
(n.1).