Gymnasium

jim-nā′zi-um, n. a school for gymnastics: a school for the higher branches of literature and science: ( orig. ) a public place or building where the Greek youths exercised themselves, with running and wrestling grounds, baths, and halls for conversation:— pl. Gymnā′sia .— adj. Gymnā′sial .— n. Gymnā′siast .— adj. Gymnā′sic .— n. Gym′nast , one who teaches or practises gymnastics.— adjs. Gymnas′tic , -al , pertaining to athletic exercises: athletic, vigorous.— adv. Gymnas′tically .— n.pl. used as sing . Gymnas′tics , athletic exercises, devised to strengthen the muscles and bones, esp. those of the upper half of the body: the art of performing athletic exercises.— adj. Gym′nic ( Milt. ). [L.,—Gr. gym nasion — gymnazein , gymnos , naked.]