n. An elastic board, secured at the ends, or at one end, often by elastic supports, used in performing feats of agility or in exercising. [ 1913 Webster ]
(n) a beginning from which an enterprise is launched, Syn. jumping-off point, point of departure, Example:he uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own; reality provides the jumping-off point for his illusions; the point of departure of international comparison cannot be an institution but must be the function it carries out