A flat board placed under a mattress or used as a rigid foundation for a bed to provide extra support or firmness.
Compound word from 'bed' (from Old English 'bedd') and 'board' (from Old English 'bord'). The term emerged in modern English as mattresses evolved and people sought ways to provide additional support.
Bedboards became popular in the mid-20th century when orthopedic medicine started emphasizing proper spine support—they represent the interesting intersection of practical problem-solving (backs hurt on soft mattresses) and product innovation.
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