sputnik Hear it!

sputnik definition

sput·nik (spo̵ot′nik, sput′-)

noun

any of a series of man-made satellites put into orbit by the U.S.S.R. beginning in October, 1957

Etymology: < Russ, lit., co-traveler < s(o)-, with (< IE base *sem-: see same) + put', way (< OSlav pt' < IE base *pent-, to go > find) + -nik, -nik

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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