trapeze

UK: trəˈpiːz | US: træˈpiːz

Definition

  1. n. a horizontal bar suspended by two ropes, used for acrobatic performances

  2. n. (geometry) a quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides

Structure
trap <late Latin *trapēzium<Greek τράπεζα (table)>
Etymology

The word "trapeze" originates from the Greek "τράπεζα" (trapeza), meaning "table," referring to its flat, four-sided shape. In Late Latin, it evolved into trapēzium, later borrowed into French as "trapèze" (16th c.) to describe both geometric shapes and gymnastic equipment. The modern sense of an acrobatic apparatus emerged in the 19th century due to its resemblance to a suspended table.

Examples

  1. The circus performer gracefully swung from the trapeze.

  2. In geometry class, we learned to calculate the area of a trapeze.

  3. She practiced daily to master the double somersault on the trapeze.

  4. The aerialists’ trapeze act was the highlight of the show.

  5. A trapezoid (AmE) is called a trapeze (BrE) in some contexts.