/ æθˈletɪk; NAmE / adjective
1.
physically strong, fit and active :
an athletic figure / build
a tall, slim athletic girl
2.
[ only before noun ] ( BrE ) connected with sports such as running, jumping and throwing (= athletics ) :
an athletic club / coach
► ath·let·ical·ly / -ɪkli; NAmE / adverb
► ath·leti·cism / æθˈletɪsɪzəm; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
She moved with great athleticism about the court.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French athlétique or Latin athleticus , from Greek athlētikos , from athlētēs , from athlein compete for a prize, from athlon prize.