Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

callisthenics

[kal-uh s-then-iks]
See more synonyms for callisthenics on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. (used with a singular or plural verb) calisthenics.
Show More
Related formscal·lis·then·ic, adjective

calisthenics

or cal·lis·then·ics

[kal-uh s-then-iks]
noun
  1. (used with a plural verb) gymnastic exercises designed to develop physical health and vigor, usually performed with little or no special apparatus.
  2. (used with a singular verb) the art, practice, or a session of such exercises.
Show More

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for callisthenics

Historical Examples

  • 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
  1. (functioning as plural) light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc
  2. (functioning as singular) the practice of callisthenic exercises
Show More
Derived Formscallisthenic or calisthenic, adjective

Word Origin

C19: from calli- + Greek sthenos strength

calisthenics

noun
  1. a variant spelling (esp US) of callisthenics
Show More
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

n.

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.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
callisthenics in Medicine

calisthenics

(kăl′ĭs-thĕn′ĭks)
pl.n.
  1. Gymnastic exercises, such as sit-ups, designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical fitness.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.