callisthenics

[kal-uh s-then-iks]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb) calisthenics.

Related formscal·lis·then·ic, adjective

calisthenics

or cal·lis·then·ics

[kal-uh s-then-iks]

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.

Origin of calisthenics

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

Related formscal·is·then·ic, cal·is·then·i·cal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for callisthenics

Historical Examples of callisthenics

It was as if they met in a sort of mental gymnasium, fenced with one another, did callisthenics.
The Real Adventure
Henry Kitchell Webster

British Dictionary definitions for callisthenics

callisthenics

calisthenics

noun

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

(functioning as singular) the practice of callisthenic exercises

Derived Formscallisthenic or calisthenic, adjective

Word Origin for callisthenics

C19: from calli- + Greek sthenos strength

calisthenics

noun

a variant spelling (esp US) of callisthenics

Derived Formscalisthenic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for callisthenics

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.

callisthenics in Medicine

calisthenics

[kăl′ĭs-thĕn′ĭks]

pl.n.

Gymnastic exercises, such as sit-ups, designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical fitness.