astronaut

UK: ˈæstrənɔːt | US: ˈæstrəˌnɔːt

Definition

  1. n. a person trained to travel and work in a spacecraft

  2. n. an explorer of outer space

Structure
astro <star>naut <sailor>
Etymology

astronaut = astro<star> + naut<sailor>

  • astro: From Greek astron (star), now used to denote celestial objects or space-related concepts.
  • naut: From Greek nautes (sailor), often referring to travelers or explorers (e.g., nautical).

Etymology Origin:
Coined in the late 19th century, astronaut literally means "star sailor," blending Greek roots to describe space explorers. The term reflects humanity's maritime exploration heritage, metaphorically extending it to space travel.

Examples

  1. The astronaut conducted experiments aboard the International Space Station.

  2. She dreamed of becoming an astronaut since childhood.

  3. Astronauts undergo rigorous training before space missions.

  4. The first astronaut to walk on the moon was Neil Armstrong.

  5. Modern astronauts collaborate globally on space research.