trapeze
trapeze Lexical Profile
trapeze Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A short horizontal bar suspended by two parallel ropes from a high support, used by acrobats and gymnasts for swinging and aerial performances.
"The daring acrobat released her grip and soared gracefully through the air, catching the swinging trapeze just in time."
A wire harness suspended from the mast of a sailing dinghy, allowing a crew member to lean far out over the water to balance the boat against the wind.
"In competitive dinghy sailing, the crew member uses a trapeze to hike out over the waves and prevent the boat from capsizing."
• Rhymes for trapeze
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 19th century: from French 'trapèze', derived from late Latin 'trapezium', named because of the trapezoidal shape formed by the crossbar, the ropes, and the support.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.