Retropropulsion
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 Backward propulsion, especially the use of rockets to brake or change direction. countable, uncountable
"Recent studies have concluded that Viking-era entry system deceleration technologies are extremely difficult to scale for progressively larger payloads (tens of metric tons) required for human Mars exploration. Supersonic retropropulsion is one of a few developing technologies that may enable future human-scale Mars entry systems."
- 2 Alternative form of retropulsion (“abnormal tendency to step backwards”). alt-of, alternative, countable, uncountable
"At the autopsy Pierret found sclerosis of the columns of Goll, and he thinks that disease of these columns explains the tendency to propulsion and retropropulsion experienced by the patient as well as the uncertainty felt in maintaining the erect posture."
- 3 Alternative form of retropulsion (“forcing something to move backwards or inwards”). alt-of, alternative, countable, uncountable
"Also, the retropropulsion of blood through the mitral valve caused a “gyration” of the heart at each beat; […]"
Example
More examples"Recent studies have concluded that Viking-era entry system deceleration technologies are extremely difficult to scale for progressively larger payloads (tens of metric tons) required for human Mars exploration. Supersonic retropropulsion is one of a few developing technologies that may enable future human-scale Mars entry systems."
Etymology
From retro- + propulsion.
More for "retropropulsion"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.