noun
Freq #40783
Meanings
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1
noun
a rigid board used to support or straighten a person's back, historically as a posture-training device
The school once required pupils to sit against a backboard to cultivate an upright posture.
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2
noun
the upright board behind a basketball basket, from which the ball may rebound
The shot struck the backboard and dropped through the hoop.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A transparent compound of back + board. It has named several boards placed at or supporting the back, including historical posture devices and the rebound surface behind a basketball goal.