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retrograde

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The definition of retrograde is something that is a move backwards or a decline in condition or quality.

(adjective)

When a new technology comes out that is actually a step backward and worse than the technology before it, this is an example of something that would be described as retrograde.

Retrograde is to move backwards, or to decline to a prior worse condition.

(verb)

If you had begun to feel better but then your condition worsens to where it was a few weeks ago, this is an example of when it retrogrades.

See retrograde in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

moving or directed backward; retiring or retreating
inverse or reverse: said of order
going back or tending to go back to an earlier, esp. worse, condition; retrogressive
Obsolete opposed; contrary
1. Astron. moving in an orbit opposite to the usual orbital direction of similar celestial bodies, as opposite to the direction of the earth in its journey around the sun
2. Astrol. designating motion, real or apparent, on the celestial sphere in a direction from east to west
Music designating motion backward in a melody, specif. so as to begin with the last note and end with the first

Origin: ME < L retrogradus < retrogradi, to go backward: see retro- & grade

intransitive verb retrograded, retrograding

to go, or seem to go, backward
to become worse; decline; deteriorate; degenerate
Astron. to have a retrograde motion

Origin: L retrogradi

Related Forms:

retrogradation noun
retrogradely adverb

See retrograde in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Moving or tending backward.
Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed.
Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition.
Astronomy
a. Of or relating to the orbital revolution or axial rotation of a planetary or other celestial body that moves clockwise from east to west, in the direction opposite to most celestial bodies.
b. Of or relating to the brief, regularly occurring, apparently backward movement of a planetary body in its orbit as viewed against the fixed stars, caused by the differing orbital velocities of Earth and the body observed.
Archaic Opposed; contrary.