posigrade

adjective

posi·​grade
ˈpäzəˌgrād
: relating to, using, or being an auxiliary rocket that imparts additional thrust to a spacecraft in the direction of motion

Word History

Etymology

positive + -grade (as in retrograde)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of posigrade was in 1961

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near posigrade

Cite this Entry

“Posigrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/posigrade. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!