gymnastic

²gymnastic

noun

Definition of GYMNASTIC

1

plural but sing in constr a : physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination b : a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control

2

: an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity <my earlier philosophic study had been an intellectual gymnastic — John Dewey> <mental gymnastics>

3

: a physical feat or contortion <the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape — E. D. Radin>

First Known Use of GYMNASTIC

1652