GRIDIRON Meaning and
Definition
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Gridiron is a noun that refers to a specific type of field used for American football and Canadian football games. It typically measures 100 yards long and 53.33 yards wide, with specified markings and boundaries. The field is divided into a series of parallel lines that intersect to form a grid-like pattern, hence the term "gridiron." These lines consist of five-yard intervals running horizontally across the field, with additional lines forming box shapes at each end of the field.
In addition to its physical characteristics, gridiron also denotes the sport of American football or Canadian football itself. It is used as a metonym to describe the game, its players, and its related activities. The term "gridiron" is commonly used in American English to distinguish American football from other forms of football played around the world.
Originating in the late 19th century, gridiron gained popularity due to its resemblance to a grid-like pattern laid over the playing surface. The inverted-L shape marking at each end, called the end zone, distinguishes scoring areas from the rest of the field. This division facilitates the game's primary objective: advancing the football into the opposing team's end zone to score points.
Overall, gridiron serves as a comprehensive term encompassing the field, the game, and its associated elements, symbolizing the structure and organization required to play American football or Canadian football.
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A grated frame for broiling flesh or fish over a fire; a kind of frame for drawing up a ship on to be docked and repaired.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GRIDIRON
Etymology of GRIDIRON
The etymology of the word "gridiron" can be traced back to Old English. It comes from the combination of two Old English words: "grīd", meaning a cooking grate or grill, and "gǣr", meaning a spear or weapon. The term originally referred to a grated utensil or surface used for grilling food over a fire. Over time, the term expanded to refer to the metal framework of a grate or grill, specifically one used for cooking meat. Ultimately, "gridiron" became associated with the sport of American football due to the pattern of lines resembling a grill on the playing field.
Similar spelling words for GRIDIRON
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