ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1.
a. : a strong but flexible board of wood, metal, or glass resting on a fulcrum with one end secured and the other projecting over water and used for diving ; specifically : one usually placed at a height of one or three meters above the water and used by fancy divers as a means of getting height for a dive
b. : a flexible board that is usually secured at one end and is used as a takeoff device for certain gymnastic stunts
c. : a short iron-shod board that is inserted into a notched tree trunk and upon which the axman stands
2. : a point of departure : jumping-off place
the idea is to use the convention as a springboard for the campaign — New Republic
sees an opportunity ahead of making the chairmanship a springboard to higher things — Atlantic