Friday word: Retrograde

[med_cat]

retrograde, adj. ret·ro·grade \ˈre-trə-ˌgrād\

Simple Definition:

: returning to an earlier and usually worse state or condition

: moving backward

Full Definition:

1. 1 a (1) : having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars <Saturn is retrograde for another week> (2) : having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet <a retrograde orbit> b (1) : moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction (2) : occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow — compare anterograde 1 c : contrary to the normal order : inverse




2. 2 : tending toward or resulting in a worse or previous state




3. 3 archaic : contradictory, opposed




4. 4 : characterized by retrogression




5. 5 : affecting memories of a period prior to a shock or seizure <retrograde amnesia>




6. 6 : retro <retrograde fashion>

Examples:

In a third, less likely but possible scenario, [the tropical storm Hermine will] race northeast toward New England, stall offshore, then retrograde back toward the mid-Atlantic as a strong hybrid storm with hurricane force winds. (Tropical Storm Hermine: The "Sleeper" Scenario No One Is Talking About)

a retrograde policy that would leave more people poorer than they are now

retrograde pedaling will engage the brakes on that bike

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin retrogradus, from retrogradi

Synonyms: rearward, backward

First Known Use: 14th century

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Excellent final example.

[med_cat]

Thanks! I heard that bit on the radio--the announcer discussing the forecast said "....retrograde...oh, sorry, bit of a shop talk there"--so I thought, here's a good word for this week :)