RETROGRADES

Noun

retrogrades

plural of retrograde

Source: Wiktionary


RETROGRADE

Re"tro*grade, a. Etym: [L. retrogradus, from retrogradi, retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back + gradi to step: cf. F. rétrograde. See Grade.]

1. (Astron.)

Definition: Apparently moving backward, and contrary to the succession of the signs, that is, from east to west, as a planet. Hutton. And if he be in the west side in that condition, then is he retrograde. Chaucer.

2. Tending or moving backward; having a backward course; contrary; as, a retrograde motion; -- opposed to Ant: progressive. "Progressive and not retrograde." Bacon. It is most retrograde to our desire. Shak.

3. Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. Bacon.

Re"tro*grade, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retrograded; p. pr. & vb. n. Retrograding.] Etym: [L. retrogradare, retrogradi: cf. F. rétrograder.]

1. To go in a retrograde direction; to move, or appear to move, backward, as a planet.

2. Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as in morals or intelligence.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

21 June 2025

SUFFOCATION

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Coffee Trivia

The world’s most expensive coffee costs more than US$700 per kilogram. Asian palm civet – a cat-like creature in Indonesia, eats fruits, including select coffee cherries. It excretes partially digested seeds that produce a smooth, less acidic brew of coffee called kopi luwak.

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