An astronaut is a person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft, either as a pilot or a crew member. They are responsible for conducting scientific experiments, maintaining the spacecraft, and carrying out various tasks related to space exploration. In this article, we will explore the meaning and definition of astronaut, along with its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The word astronaut is derived from the Greek words “astro” meaning star and “nautes” meaning sailor. The term astronaut was first used in 1929 by J.D. Hunley to describe the crew of a rocket ship. According to NASA, an astronaut is a person who has been trained to operate a spacecraft, perform scientific experiments, and conduct spacewalks.
Origin
The origin of the word astronaut can be traced back to the 1920s when science fiction writers started using the term to describe space travelers. However, it was not until the 1960s that the term became widely used to refer to the crew members of spacecraft.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of astronaut is consistent across different dictionaries. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an astronaut is “a person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft.” Merriam-Webster defines an astronaut as “a person who travels beyond the earth’s atmosphere.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines an astronaut as “a person who travels in spacecraft into space.”
Associations
Astronauts are associated with space exploration, scientific research, and technological advancements. They are also associated with bravery, as space travel is a high-risk activity that requires a great deal of courage. Astronauts are often seen as heroes and role models, inspiring people to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Synonyms
Synonyms of astronaut include cosmonaut, spaceman, and space traveler. Cosmonaut is the term used to describe Russian astronauts, while spaceman and space traveler are more general terms that can be used to describe any person who travels in space.
Antonyms
Antonyms of astronaut include earthbound, grounded, and terrestrial. These terms are used to describe people who are confined to the earth’s surface and do not travel in space.
The same root words
The same root words as astronaut include astrology, astronomy, and astronautics. Astrology is the study of the stars and their influence on human affairs, while astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects. Astronautics is the science of space travel and spacecraft design.
Example Sentences
- The astronaut conducted a series of experiments on the International Space Station.
- The cosmonauts from Russia and the astronauts from the United States worked together on the mission.
- The spaceman floated weightlessly in the spacecraft, observing the stars and planets.
- The earthbound scientists monitored the progress of the space mission from mission control.
- The study of astronomy has led to many technological advancements in the field of space exploration.