Balance beam Meaning and Definition
Balance Beam
Pronunciation
/ˈbæləns ˈbiːm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A long, narrow, horizontal bar, typically suspended about one meter above the ground, used as an equipment in gymnastics, typically used by women, where gymnasts perform acrobatic skills and aerials.
Examples
- The gymnast landed a perfect dismount on the balance beam.
- Balance beams are used in various gymnastics competitions around the world.
Synonyms
- Parallel Bars
- Floor Exercise
Antonyms
- Obstacle Course
- High Bar
Etymology
The origin of the word “balance beam” dates back to the late 19th century, derived from the combination of the words “balance” and “beam”. The term was initially used to describe a long, narrow bar in various sports, including gymnastics and dance.
Usage Notes
When using the term “balance beam” in a sentence, it is important to provide context to help the reader understand the intended meaning. This includes specifying the type of event or competition being referred to, as well as the location where the balance beam is being used.
Cultural References
Popular cultural references to balance beams include TV shows like “Barbara Wagner’s Gymnastics” and “American Ninja Warrior”, as well as movies like “The Way, Way Back” and “The Gold Medal Boutique”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase “on the balance beam” is often used to describe a situation that requires careful balance and attention to detail, both physically and metaphorically.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to “balance beam” include “gymnastics”, “equipment”, “event”, and “competition”.
Collocations
Common collocations with the term “balance beam” include “perform”, “competes”, “training”, and “practice”.
Frequency of Use
The term “balance beam” is commonly used in various contexts, including sports, fitness, and popular culture. The frequency of use is moderate, approximately 10-20 uses per million words.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the term “balance beam” include “balence beam”, “balance beem”, and “balans beam”.