springboard

[ spring-bawrd, -bohrd ]
/ ˈsprɪŋˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

a flexible board, projecting over water, from which divers leap or spring.
a flexible board used as a takeoff in vaulting, tumbling, etc., to increase the height of leaps.
something that supplies the impetus or conditions for a beginning, change, or progress; a point of departure: a lecture to serve as a springboard for a series of seminars.

verb (used with or without object)

to impel or launch on or as if on a springboard.

Origin of springboard

First recorded in 1865–70; spring + board

Example sentences from the Web for springboard

British Dictionary definitions for springboard

springboard
/ (ˈsprɪŋˌbɔːd) /

noun

a flexible board, usually projecting low over the water, used for diving
a similar board used for gaining height or momentum in gymnastics
Australian and NZ a board inserted into the trunk of a tree at some height above the ground on which a lumberjack stands to chop down the tree
anything that serves as a point of departure or initiation