retrogradeadj.n.adv.

Brit.

/ˈrɛtrə(ʊ)ɡreɪd/, U.S.

/ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/

Forms: Middle English 1600s retrograd, Middle English– retrograde, 1500s rethrogarde, 1500s rethrograte, 1500s retrogarde, 1500s retrograt, 1500s retrograte, 1500s–1600s retrogard; Scottish pre-1700 retrograd, pre-1700 retrograid, pre-1700 retrograide, pre-1700 1700s– retrograde.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French retrograde; Latin retrōgradus.

Etymology: < Middle French retrograde, French rétrograde (of celestial objects) appearing to travel backwards (a1377), reverse (a1377 in ordre retrograde ), (of verse) having each verse beginning with the same word with which the preceding verse ended, able to be read with the order of the words reversed, that is the same whether read backwards or forwards, palindromic (a1377; the precise meaning in early use is unclear), going backwards (15th cent.; 1636 in figurative use, of a person), belonging to the past (1501), that wishes to restore the past, that is opposed to all progress or change (a1792; 1831 as noun) and its etymon classical Latin retrōgradus (of celestial objects) appearing to travel backwards, in post-classical Latin also (of verse) palindromic (13th cent. in British sources), (of order) reverse (14th cent. in British sources) < retrō retro- prefix + -gradus -grade comb. form. Compare Spanish retrogrado (13th cent.), Portuguese retrógrado (15th cent.), Italian retrogrado (14th cent.). Compare retrogradient adj., retrogradation n., and retrograde v., and also retrogate adj.In sense A. 3d after post-classical Latin retrogradus ( G. Engelmann De Antholysi prodromus auctore (1832) 63). N.E.D. (1908) also gives the pronunciation (rītro-) /riːtrəʊ-/ for the first element.

A. adj.

1. Of a planet or other celestial object.

a. Astronomy and (now chiefly) Astrology. Temporarily appearing to move across the sky in the reverse direction to that which is usual for it, i.e. from east to west across the celestial sphere. Opposed to prograde adj. 1.In the case of the superior planets the phenomenon occurs as a result of their having longer orbital periods than the earth.Some astrologers consider a retrograde planet to be inauspicious or to have a weakened influence.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > [adjective] > retrograde

retrogradec1400

retrogradientc1425

retrogradant1523

retrocedent1583

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 113^v Whanne he comeþ aftir þe sonne, he semyth retrogradus, goinge bacward.]

c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Brussels) (1940) ii. §35. f. 93 This is the wirkynge..to knowe ȝif that eny planete be direct or retrograd.

1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxi. 104 He sette in werkynge The bodyes aboue to haue theyr mouynge,..Some rethrogarde, and some dyrectly.

1589 R. Greene Ciceronis Amor 25 Fonde are those women that are inquisitiue after Astrologers, whether Venus be retrograde or combust in their natiuities.

1637 R. Basset Curiosities 29 By reason the Moon is retrograde, & ill deposed at that time, is the cause of its death.

1671 J. Blagrave Astrol. Pract. Physick 91 By no means let the Moon be aspected of any retrograde planet.

1761 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy III. xxiii. 119 I would have sworn some retrograde planet was hanging over this unfortunate house of mine.

1880 J. H. Shorthouse John Inglesant I. 282 Jupiter, lord of the ascendant, and Saturn being retrograde.

1912 L. George Astrol. Gleanings 98 When a benefic planet is stationary or retrograde its power for good is weakened.

2001 Kindred Spirit Summer 31/3 A retrograde planet will operate astrologically from its second sign of rulership.

b. Astronomy. Originally: (of a comet) that moves in the opposite direction to the sun around the ecliptic, i.e. from east to west across the celestial sphere. Later: (of a comet, satellite, etc.) orbiting in the reverse direction to that which is usual in the solar system, i.e. clockwise as seen from north of the ecliptic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > constellation > comet or meteor > comet > [adjective] > moving east to west

retrograde1734

1734 J. T. Desaguliers Course Exper. Philos. I. 354 A retrograde Comet, such as that of the year 1682, which moving from East to West, was carried directly again the suppos'd Stream of cœlestial Matter.

1757 Scots Mag. Sept. 471/2 The comet of 1607 and that of 1682, were one and the same; for both were retrograde, as was the species of the orbit in both.

1853 J. F. W. Herschel Pop. Lect. Sci. (1873) vi. §23. 106 Retrograde comets, or those whose motion is opposite to that of the planets, are as common as direct ones.

1898 F. B. Taylor Endogenous Planetary Syst. 6 A planet which has a retrograde satellite system.

1930 Sci. News Let. 10 May 299/1 Considering the orbits of retrograde comets,..we find that the mean inclination of the orbits..approaches near to one hundred degrees.

2006 L. Esposito Planetary Rings xvi. 162 The ultraviolet ring spectrum is quite similar to that of Saturn's retrograde moon, Phoebe.

a. Directed or moving backwards; in a direction contrary to the previous or usual motion; retreating. Now chiefly in scientific or military contexts.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adjective]

retrogate1584

retrograde1622

regressive1634

retrocessive1816

reverse1839

rearward1843

c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) clxx (MED) Though thy begynnyng hath bene retrograde, Be froward opposyt quhare till aspert; Now sall thai turn and luke on the dert.

1622 G. de Malynes Consuetudo 400 The partie who tooke this Bill..must goe a retrograde course heerein.

1678 J. Worlidge Vinetum Britannicum (ed. 2) 58 The sap..will expend it self by a retrograde as well as by a direct motion.

1745 E. Haywood Female Spectator (1748) No. 10. II. 208 They seem rather like buckets in a well, that are always in a retrograde motion.

1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. x. 318 Every step that he had taken..was retrograde.

1847 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Peru II. iv. iv. 154 The sufferings endured by the Spaniards on their retrograde march to Quito.

1880 A. Günther Introd. Study of Fishes 44 Retrograde motions can be made by fish in an imperfect manner only.

1900 L. M. Loomis Calif. Water Birds v. i. 351 The Bonaparte's Gulls..headed northward, seemingly making this retrograde movement in order to sight the coast-line above Santa Cruz.

1922 Encycl. Brit. XXXI. 855/2 The hesitation observable in the German advance was soon followed by an unmistakable retrograde movement.

1993 S. J. Ettinger Pocket Compan. Textbk. Vet. Internal Med. vii. 18 Regurgitation is defined as passive, retrograde movement of ingested material, usually before it has reached the stomach.

2005 K. Dougherty & J. M. Moore Penins. Campaign 1862 v. 155 An analysis of McClellan's execution based on current military doctrine for retrograde operations indicates that McClellan's withdrawal was nearly flawless.

†b. Astronomy. Of the apparent motion of the sun or the moon: southward again after reaching its most northerly position, occurring annually for the sun and monthly for the moon. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) vi. 43 The mune..is moir suift in hyr retrograid cours nor the soune is.

1693 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. I. vi. 201 The Chaldean Astronomers..labour'd to suppress this Retrograde motion of the Sun.

c. Astronomy. Of the apparent motion of a planet, comet, etc.: from east to west across the celestial sphere; (of the actual orbital motion or axial rotation of a comet, satellite, etc.) in a reverse direction to that which is usual in the solar system, i.e. clockwise as seen from north of the ecliptic; of or relating to such motion. Opposed to direct adj. 3 and prograde adj. 1.

ΚΠ

c1592 Faire Em sig. C3^v But Planets rulde by retrogard aspect, Foretolde mine yll in my natiuitie.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 127 Thir wandring course now high, now low, then hid, Progressive, retrograde, or standing still.

1724 Philos. Trans. 1722–3 (Royal Soc.) 33 48 In its Orbit thus situated, the Motion of the Comet was Retrograde or contrary to the Order of the Signs.

1755 B. Martin Mag. Arts & Sci. 98 The retrograde Motion in Mercury is but of short Duration indeed.

1833 J. F. W. Herschel Astronomy ix. 299 Contrary to the unbroken analogy of the whole planetary system.., in these orbits their motions are retrograde.

1858 Jrnl. Amer. Oriental Soc. 6 441 The proportion..gives us the amount of retrograde motion of the moon's node since the commencement of the Iron Age.

1907 J. E. Gore Astron. Ess. xx. 271 Very possible the rotation of Saturn, when in the gaseous state, was originally in a retrograde direction.

1930 H. T. Stetson Man & Stars iv. 31 The heliocentric hypothesis..was equally capable of explaining the retrograde motion of the inferior planets, Venus and Mercury.

2004 J. C. Brandt & R. D. Chapman Introd. Comets (ed. 2) i. 17 The planes of cometary orbits could be inclined at all angles to the ecliptic, and their direction of motion could be either direct or retrograde.

a. Tending or inclined to fall back or revert to an inferior or less developed (former) condition; declining, deteriorating; (also) reactionary, backward-looking.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [adjective]

retrograde?1518

retrogradousa1660

retrogressive1688

retrocessive1816

regressive1835

the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > bias, prejudice > dislike of change, reaction > [adjective]

retrograde?1518

hidebound1603

tradition-bound1660

tradition-loving1660

tradition-ridden1660

mumpsimus1680

stickfast1803

arriéré1814

stick-in-the-mud1832

reactive1836

reactionary1847

reactionist1848

misoneistic1891

red-necked1896

Blimpian1935

blimpish1938

redneck1938

?1518 R. Copland tr. P. Gringore Complaynte them that ben to late Maryed (new ed.) sig. B.iii.^v Both yonge & olde must haue theyr sustenaunce Euer in this worlde, soo fekyll and rethrograte.

1595 S. Daniel First Fowre Bks. Ciuile Warres v. xxxix. sig. Bb3^v Weary the soule with contrarieties: Till all Religion become retrograde.

1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 132 Ther-fore it is good for Princes, if they vse ambitious men, to handle it so, as they bestil progressiue, and not retrograde.

1664 J. Evelyn Pomona iv. 13 in Sylva Nature does more delight in progress, then to be Retrograde and go backwards.

1709 H. Sacheverell Perils False Brethren 22 Who..is agen ready to be Retrograde, whenever the Wind shall Change, and Veer about.

1773 S. Johnson Let. 21 Sept. (1992) II. 77 His retrograde ambition was completely gratified.

1816 T. L. Peacock Headlong Hall (ed. 2) x. 141 The human mind, which will necessarily become retrograde in ceasing to be progressive.

1868 J. E. T. Rogers Man. Polit. Econ. vi. 57 The capital of a country may be stationary, progressive, or retrograde.

1979 J. Wainwright Brainwash xlii. 184 To them the abolition of hanging was a retrograde step.

1995 City Paper (Baltimore) 31 May 24/3 There were some very retrograde sexual attitudes behind the films [sic] hip facade.

†b. Backward; slow to act. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [adjective]

argha1000

slowOE

unwillyc1200

sweera1300

unfain1338

loathc1374

dangerousc1386

eschewc1386

squeamous1387

obstinate?a1439

unpresta1500

ill-willing?1520

evil-willing1525

untowards1525

untowarda1530

unwilling1533

strange1548

ill-willed1549

dainty1553

relucting1553

squeamish?1553

nicea1560

loathful1561

coyish1566

coy1576

unhearty1583

costive1594

unready1595

tarrowinga1598

undisposed1597

involuntary1598

backward1600

retrograde1602

unpregnant1604

scrupulous1608

unprone1611

refractory1614

behindhanda1616

nilling1620

backwards1627

shya1628

retractable1632

reluctant1638

loughta1641

tendera1641

unapt1640

uninclinable1640

unbeteaming1642

boggling1645

averse1646

indisposed1646

aversant1657

incomposed1660

disinclined1703

unobliging1707

unconsenting1713

uninclined1729

tenacious1766

disinclinable1769

ill-disposed1771

unaffectioned1788

scruplesomec1800

back-handed1817

sweert1817

tharf1828

backward in coming forward1830

unvoluntary1834

misinclined1837

squeamy1838

balky1847

retractive1869

grudging1874

tharfish1876

unwishful1876

safety first1917

1602 B. Jonson Poetaster v. iii. sig. L4 Rampe vp, my Genius; be not Retrograde: But boldly nominate a Spade, a Spade.

1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy V. xvi. 76 He..would often say, especially when his pen was a little retrograde, [etc.].

c. Medicine. Tending to disintegration or liquefaction; degenerative. Also: (of a tuberculous or other granulomatous lesion) caseous, calcified, or fibrotic. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > growth or excrescence > [adjective] > tuber or tubercle > qualities of

retrograde1817

retrocedent1852

1817 R. Jackson Sketch Hist. & Cure Febrile Dis. ii. i. 467 I shall now add a remark on forms [of dysenteric fever] which may be properly be termed retrograde or liquescent.

1853 Brit. & Foreign Medico-chirurg. Rev. 12 217 Retrograde tubercle, atrophy, and induration of lungs.

1883 Med. Times & Gaz. 13 Jan. 53/1 He believed that these masses were retrograde gummata.

1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. II. 33 Obsolescent or retrograde tubercle in the lungs occurs in about nine per cent of all necropsies.

1908 T. L. Stedman et al. App. Ref. Handbk. Med. Sci. 568/2 Puncture [of a lipoma] with a trocar yields no fluid except in those cases in which excessive retrograde changes have taken place.

1910 S. G. Bonney Pulmonary Tuberculosis (ed. 2) lxvi. 547 With increasing development of the tubercle, which takes place by extension in the periphery, retrograde changes occur in the center.

d. Botany. Designating the transformation of the organs of a plant (esp. those of the flower) into ones considered more primitive, as carpels into stamens, or petals into leaves, occurring esp. as a teratological phenomenon. Cf. phyllody n. 1, petalody n. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > part of plant > growth, movement, or curvature of parts > [adjective] > of plant metamorphosis

retrograde1834

1834 J. Lindley in Rep. Brit. Assoc. Advancem. Sci. 1833 52 He [sc. G. Engelmann] has collected a very considerable number of cases under the following heads. 1. Retrograde metamorphosis (Regressus), when organs assume the state of some of those on the outside of them, as when carpella change to stamens or petals.

1861 R. Bentley Man. Bot. i. iv. 356 If any of these organs become transformed into a leaf, this is called retrograde or descending metamorphosis.

1869 Hardwicke's Sci.-Gossip 1 Dec. 272/1 They do not constitute a deformity, such as is exhibited, for instance, in the retrograde metamorphosis of a flower, which is mischievous and destructive in its tendency.

1911 H. H. Rusby Man. Struct. Bot. iii. 47 In all of these cases the change is from a more complex organ, or one of higher rank, to one of a lower, and is called Retrograde Metamorphosis, or Reversion of Type.

e. Zoology. Designating the transformation of the form of an animal into one considered more primitive, esp. when this takes place during the life history of an individual rather than being an evolutionary ‘regression’.Examples of such transformations include the loss of organs or limbs, or the change of a free-swimming larval form into a sessile adult.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > biology > biological processes > development, growth, or degeneration > [adjective] > phase or type of life cycle

retrograde1850

photophobe1897

heterogonic1926

homogonic1926

macrocyclic1926

scotophil1949

scotophilic1960

1850 R. Agassiz in Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 6 168 We have fluviatile Decapods which cannot be considered as higher than the crabs, unless it were shown that the shortened body of the Brachyural Decapods is the result of a retrograde metamorphosis.

1859 C. Darwin Origin of Species xviii. 448 The adult might become fitted for sites or habits, in which organs of locomotion or of the senses, &c., would be useless; and in this case the final metamorphosis would be said to be retrograde.

1923 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) B. 211 207 In the course of the autumn and winter, they undergo the retrograde metamorphosis which gives them their shape as eels.

1951 G. R. de Beer Vertebr. Zool. (ed. 2) xxxvii. 366 The others pass through a free-swimming larval stage, and then undergo a retrograde metamorphosis into sessile animals, losing the tail.

2006 S. Wischnitzer Atlas & Dissection Guide Compar. Anat. i. 10 Adhesive papillae..serve to attach the larva to an object, after which the organism undergoes retrograde metamorphosis, when it becomes sac-like.

f. Geology. Of a metamorphic change: caused by a decrease in temperature or pressure following the most intense phase of metamorphism. Contrasted with prograde adj. 3.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > structure of the earth > formation of features > metamorphism > [adjective]

metamorphic1833

thermo-metamorphic1889

post-metamorphic1900

potassic1902

sodic1902

katamorphic1904

symphrattic1904

retrogressive1930

retrograde1932

Scourian1950

1932 A. Harker Metamorphism xx. 342 The changes which befall metamorphosed rocks subsequently to the culmination of metamorphism..are of the nature of degradation... This class of changes includes what Becke has styled ‘diaphthoresis’... It will be more convenient to speak of retrograde metamorphism.

1976 S. Judson et al. Physical Geol. v. 108/1 Evidence of reversal, known as retrograde metamorphism, is usually present in metamorphic rocks, but the extent is usually minor.

1990 P. Kearey & F. J. Vine Global Tectonics ii. 24 As the ridge spreads continuously, oceanic lithosphere is moved laterally from the heat source and undergoes retrograde metamorphism.

2008 R. H. Vernon & G. L. Clarke Princ. Metamorphic Petrol. vi. 277 Because retrograde metamorphic reactions require addition of volatile components (for example, H₂O), the development of reaction products is commonly patchy and incomplete.

a. Directed so as to retrace one's steps, or to return along a former course. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adjective] > moving backwards

retrograde1564

apostatical1620

retrogressive1755

backing1862

retreative1898

1564 Sir T. Chaloner in J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1879) VIII. 45/1 [I am] now further from wealth..than I was eighteen years agone. Methinks I became a retrograde crab.

1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. iii, in Wks. I. 240 I faith, Master, Let's goe: no body comes... Let's bee retrograde.

1654 J. Playford Breefe Introd. Skill Musick i. 18 This Mood had its derivation from..the winding retrograde Meander.

1826 R. W. Emerson Let. 16 Apr. in J. E. Cabot Mem. Emerson (1887) I. iii. 114 Advancing with courageous heart into the unexplored wilderness, though with many delays and many retrograde wanderings.

1896 H. Barth Trav. & Disc. N. & Central Afr. III. lxxiv. 415 Fearing even for my life, which I was convinced was seriously threatened by another return toward Timbûktu, I..could not but regard this retrograde journey..as a most unfortunate event.

1915 Ann. of Iowa July 92 Back along the trail over which they had come,..the sad remnant of the once large and well-equipped train began its retrograde journey.

b. Of verse: that is the same whether read backwards or forwards; palindromic. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > part of poem > [adjective] > relating to or consisting of lines > palindromic

Sotadical1610

retrograde1653

recurrent1706

reciprocal1728

Sotadean1774

Sotadic?a1814

1653 Ld. Brouncker tr. R. Descartes Excellent Compend. Musick 55 As for those artificiall Counter-poynts..they may not belong more to Musick, than Acrosticks, or retrograde Verses to Poesie.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Retrograde Verses are such as give the same Words, whether read backwards or forwards; call'd also reciprocal Verses, and Recurrents.

1781 J. T. Dillon Lett. Eng. Trav. Spain viii. 117 Inventions which sprang up in a barbarous age, such as the retrograde verse.

1801 C. Collignon tr. ‘Vosgien‘ Hist. & Biogr. Dict. IV. Sotades..invented a kind of irregular and retrograde Iambic verses, called from his name Sotadics.

1867 Galaxy June 172 A good example of the retrograde verse..is a brief dialogue between Abel and Cain.

1986 Mod. Lang. Rev. 81 p. xxxi In the more technical field of metre we find..versus concordantes, allowing a multiplicity of meaning..versus rapportati, retrograde verse.

c. Of order in enumeration, occurrence, etc.: inverse, reversed.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > [adjective] > reversing natural order > reversed (of order)

preposterous1533

inverse1568

inversed1573

inverted1577

retrograde1664

cockeye1899

1664 H. More Apol. 557 We will now take a Summary view of all the Objections,..which we shall doe in a retrograde order, beginning with the last.

1686 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Staffs. x. 421 The Dominical and other Letters vary every year in a retrograd order.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Retrograde Order, in Matters of Numeration, is when in lieu of accounting 1, 2, 3, 4, we count 4, 3, 2, 1.

1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 86. ⁋14 Here the third pair of syllables in the first..verse have their accents retrograde or inverted; the first syllable being strong or acute, and the second weak.

1796 R. Walker Origin & Progress Hist. Time Introd. 2 The series in the retrograde order, is thus completed: From the Crucifixion, To the..Creation.

1851 Monthly Jrnl. Med. Sci. Jan. 39 The incuse and retrograde form of these inscriptions.

1892 R. S. Poole Catal. Coins Alexandria & Nomes p. lvii The five planets are then repeated in retrograde order with the remaining five signs in regular order.

1921 Classical Philol. Apr. 191 Line 1 contains the alphabet in the regular order of vowels and consonants. Line 2 has the letters in retrograde order.

1996 H. Liebman Dramatic Art of David Storey ii. 53 In a chronologically retrograde order, from Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin in 1928, to..Sir Walter Raleigh who ‘lost his head’ in 1618.

d. Music. Of imitation, melody, etc.: characterized by or consisting of a sequence of notes played backwards. retrograde canon: a canon in which the imitating voice produces the melody backwards (both voices usually starting together).

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > melody or succession of sounds > [adjective] > melodic progression > backwards

retrograde1667

1667 C. Simpson Compend. Pract. Musick v. 166 Of Retrograde Canon, or Canon Recte & Retro.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Imitation Sometimes the Motion or the Figure of the Notes, alone, is imitated; and that, sometimes even by a contrary Motion, which makes what they call a Retrograde Imitation.

1796 A. F. C. Kollmann Ess. Musical Harmony xv. 115 As an example of retrograde imitation see again Plate xxxiv..when the beginning is made with the last note, and the end with the first.

1869 F. A. G. Ouseley Treat. Counterpoint xv. 103 Imitation may also be retrograde, i.e. the consequent may be produced by reading the antecedent backwards.

1891 E. Prout Counterpoint (ed. 2) 243 Another even more intricate kind of canon is the Reverse Retrograde Canon.

1939 B. Fles tr. E. Křenek Music Here & Now i. 26 The development may be retrograde, if we read a melodic figure from the last tone to the first, etc.

1952 Tempo No. 24. 9 Even in the form of abstract figurations both the retrograde motif and its original pervade the texture of the music.

2002 G. Mazzola et al. Topos of Music iii. x. 194 A retrograde theme may look very dissimilar from the original.

†e. Operating in a backward direction. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > types of machine generally > [adjective] > operating backwards

retroactive1706

retrograde1797

back-action1845

1797 Monthly Mag. May 384/2 Letters patent were granted..for a Machine producing Retrogradatory Motion... This machine may be worked by hand, or any of the other ordinary powers, and it will be of infinite service in raising coals from ships' holds, for..mangles, and for every species of retrograde machinery.

f. Medicine and Physiology. Of nerve impulse conduction, synaptic transmission, or other neural processes: occurring in a direction opposite to the normal. Also: involved in such a process.

ΚΠ

1900 Jrnl. Nerv. & Mental Dis. 27 614 Retrograde degeneration is a term used to describe the degeneration which takes place in a divided nerve centrally as opposed to the peripheral or Wallerian degeneration.

1926 Amer. Heart Jrnl. 1 352 This obviously could not be due to retrograde conduction of impulses from ventricles.

1979 B. Droz et al. in S. Tuček & E. A. Barnard Cholinergic Synapse 41 Macromolecules are cleared from presynaptic endings by local breakdown, retrograde transport or extraneuronal release.

2002 Science 26 Apr. 678/1 Endogenous cannabinoids can function as retrograde synaptic messengers: they are released from postsynaptic neurons and travel backward across synapses.

5. Opposed, contrary, or contradictory to something. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > [adjective]

contrarious1340

contraryc1340

contrairc1400

repugnant1425

reverse1481

contrariant1530

cross1565

obversant1579

thwart1601

retrogradea1616

pugnant1645

antipathic1830

antithetical1848

a1616 W. Shakespeare Hamlet (1623) i. ii. 114 For your intent In going backe to Schoole in Wittenberg. It is most retrograde [1604 retrogard] to our desire.

1643 J. Milton Soveraigne Salve 4 Preferred the means before the end, which is retrograde to reason.

1653 W. Hemings Fatal Contract Thou shews't a nature retrograde to honour.

1704 Elegy xxxv. 31 Malice is always Retrograde to Sense.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1784 II. 520 I would not..for ten pounds, have seemed so retrograde to any general observance.

1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl VI. i. 8 There was something in trade..very retrograde to her feelings.

1858 D. Macgregor in W. Hanna Ess. Ministers Free Church Scotl. iv. 120 An envious, suspicious, if not even dangerous task; in one sense as ‘retrograde’ to the desire of the present writer as to approach a spot where the dead lie festering.

1971 H. F. Beechold Creative Classroom iii. 94 Imposing..a set of prohibitions on the student..is retrograde to the purposes of education regardless of how ‘pure’ or well-sanctioned the motives.

2002 P. Kivy Introd. Philos. Music xii. 241 This would be as retrograde to the composer's intentions as if they did the same with the Bach sonata.

6. Medicine. Of amnesia: relating to the time preceding the causal event.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > degree or type of mental illness > [adjective] > memory disorders

amnesic1868

retrograde1882

paramnesic1894

1882 T. Ribot Dis. Memory v. 195 In cases where amnesia follows cerebral shock, forgetfulness is always retrograde [Fr. rétroactif], extending over a more or less protracted period, previous to the accident.

1895 Lancet 13 July 127/1 In retrograde localised amnesia, due, for example, to an injury, the events of the forgotten period are ordinary occurrences.

1959 Times 12 Sept. 4/5 You could not, as a doctor of your experience, confuse retrograde with prograde amnesia in such circumstances?

2006 New Yorker 27 Feb. 27/2 Bruce was suffering from a rare condition known as total retrograde amnesia.

B. n.

a. A backward movement or tendency. Also: (Astrology) the retrograde motion of a planet.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > [noun] > retrograde motion

retrogradation?c1450

retrogration1567

regradation1607

retrograde1613

retrogression1619

retrocession1639

regression1640

regress1642

repedation1646

retrogation1646

antecedence1649

the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [noun] > tendency

lability1554

retrograde1613

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 27 As if with an imperfect retrograde he [sc. man] would return into his first elements.

1643 E. Bowles Plaine Eng. 18 The designe must on, the authours are impatient of this retrograde they have suffred these three yeeres.

1671 F. Vernon Let. 23 Nov. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1971) VIII. 384 In some two dayes Saturne was to finish his Retrograde, & returne to his direct motion.

1830 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) II. 14 What Sir Robert [Wilson] styles the retrograde of intellect would be the breaking up of these meshes of thraldom.

1868 W. H. Locke Story of Regiment iv. 362 There were advances and retrogrades, skirmishes and battles.

1992 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Dec. 290/2 During the retrograde of Mercury..you'll be dying to get together with people.

b. in retrograde: in a backward direction.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > backwards [phrase]

on (rarely of), upon back1447

in retrograde1821

1821 D. Price Chronol. Retrospect vi. 276 This rapid movement in retrograde might afford grounds for the suspicion, that occurrences in advance did not terminate in a manner exactly to correspond with the views of Teymûr.

1854 G. W. Röhner Pract. Treat. Musical Composition iii. v. 246 The leading member of the canonic series commencing with the first section, continues with the second section in retrograde.

1870 J. S. McDonald Vital Philos. x. clxvi. 243 The reflective faculties..may be traced backward;..and thus, in retrograde, we find the entities of sentimental existence lost, or buried within the precincts of lower conditions.

1954 W. Faulkner Fable 5 For another instant, the cavalry held. And even then, it did not break. It just began to move in retrograde while still facing forward.

1996 D. J. Headlam Music of Alban Berg ii. 61 At the end of the movement..the opening chords return in retrograde.

†a. A person who falls back from a standard or norm. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > worse > [noun] > one who or that which

appairer1382

pairer1408

impairera1586

retrograde1633

aggravativea1734

witherer1828

society > morality > moral evil > moral or spiritual degeneration > [noun] > person

degenerate1555

iron man?1617

retrograde1633

retrogressive1847

1633 W. Prynne Histrio-mastix 100 Our Play-hunters would haue been good proficients, not retrogrades, in the schoole of Virtue.

1897 Christian Herald (N.Y.) 1 Sept. 663/1 These retrogrades are to be pitied quite as much as those who..have not enjoyed any training advantages.

b. A person who changes allegiance or goes back on a previous agreement; a rebel, a renegade. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > [noun] > desertion of one's party or principles > one who

renay1340

apostate1362

renegatec1450

starter1519

reniant1532

changeling1539

rannigala1560

recreant1570

turncoat1570

renegado1573

start-away1574

off-faller?1575

start-back1579

departer1586

reneger1597

retrospicientc1600

runagadea1604

renegade1611

turn-tail1621

runagado1623

trip-coata1625

retrogredient1650

retrograde1651

tergiversator1716

rat1755

ratter1819

tergiversant1833

blackleg1844

strike-breaker1904

faller-out1964

1651 Hue & Cry Rambling Protonotaries 5 Confine him till th'hast found Britanicus, That sniveling Retrograde at th'holy Buss, With some sweet Ruth behind a Kitchin-door, Or wheel-barrow fashion riggling of a W—.

1715 E. Settle Rebellion Display'd 10 Retrogrades from Sense, Souls so deprav'd, Wit, Reason, all to their dark Cause enslav'd.

1731 ‘A. Scriblerus’ Gorgoneicon p. xviii Such abandon'd Creatures as have sworn to the present Royal Family and happy Government..turn Retrogrades and vote and subscribe for an utter change of Government.

1771 A. M. E. Cooke Hermit Converted 39 He leaves the retrogrades to brag,..fast in an Irish quag; For they who will not with the British crown, Go to the top, must go to bottom down.

1883 in Papers Rel. Foreign Relations U.S. (1884) 46 In the midst of the bloody tumult many soldiers..sought an asylum in a certain house which was in the service of the retrogrades, and they were delivered to their executioners.

1907 Outing Nov. 198 ‘You are a retrograde, a renegade, a blackguard and a murderer,’ I said to him calmly.

c. A person who opposes reform or change; a backward-looking, conservative, or reactionary person.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > bias, prejudice > dislike of change, reaction > [noun] > person

mumpsimus1530

inveteratist1715

reactionary1799

statu quo-ite1816

retrograde1825

redneck1830

stationary1831

stick-in-the-mud1832

reactionist1834

retrogradist1836

retrogressionist1848

mountainy man1851

misoneist1891

reactionarist1907

blimp1934

Neanderthal1966

hard hat1970

1825 Port Folio Mar. 189 The triumph of the retrogrades has been so complete in Spain, that they themselves are frightened at their own success.

1884 J. W. Probyn Italy vii. 143 Thus he was hated by the retrogrades who opposed all change, and he was disliked by the advanced party.

1911 W. R. Thayer Life & Times Cavour I. xi. 311 Probably three quarters of the clergy were retrogrades by training and conviction, and the peasants took their cue from their priests.

1983 K. M. Cook tr. A. V. Anikin Gold vi. 138 The critics of gold represent its supporters as hopeless retrogrades, upholders of obsolete dogmas.

2008 S. Geroulanos & D. Ginsburg tr. G. Canguilhem Knowl. of Life 53 Charles Robin, in France, seemed like a grouchy retrograde.

†3. Billiards. Backspin imparted to a cue ball by striking it below its centre. Cf. screw n.¹ 19a. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > billiards, pool, or snooker > [noun] > motion of ball

kiss1836

spread1838

screw back1869

retrograde1896

topside1904

1896 W. Broadfoot in W. Broadfoot et al. Billiards (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) vi. 207 Backward rotation, retrograde, or screw, is obtained by striking the ball..below the centre.

C. adv.

In a backward or reverse direction.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adverb]

abackOE

ruglingc1225

abackwardc1275

backwarda1300

hindwarda1300

arsewardly1530

arseward1553

rearward1604

retrogradea1620

aversively?1624

arsewards1648

retrogradely1658

regressively1755

backlings1786

tailwise1825

rearwards1835

bass-ackwardsa1865

arseling1887

bass-ackward1902

ass-backwards1934

backasswards1951

backassward1961

the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > [adverb] > retrograde

retrograde?1768–9

a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) ii. x. §4. 307 If wee will but walke retrograde, the same way backe againe.

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 188 [The priest] Crab-like goes retrograde from the Idoll.

1709 Refl. on Sacheverell's Serm. 21 The Reformation begun to go retrograde in Q. Elizabeth's time.

?1768–9 Encycl. Brit. (1771) I. 438/1 Her horary motion from the sun 3′ 57″.13 retrograde.

1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. §381 It will appear to us to travel from left to right, or retrograde.

1980 Early Music 8 111/2 Its slow movement incorporates the melody ‘God Save the King’, played first retrograde, later in inversion and finally in its normal form.

2005 D. A. Hinton Gold & Gilt v. 146 (caption) An ivory seal matrix..has a Latin inscription (with the letters cut ‘retrograde’ but here shown reversed).

Compounds

retrograde ejaculation n. Medicine the discharge of semen into the bladder rather than outwards through the penis, most commonly occurring after prostate surgery; an instance of this.

ΚΠ

1948 Lancet 17 July 116/1 He also dwelt on the abnormalities associated with the ejaculation and mentioned the possibility of retrograde ejaculation into the bladder, as occurs after prostatectomy.

1989 M. Castleman Sexual Solutions (rev. ed.) v. 145 Some prostate surgery in which the gland is not removed results in ‘retrograde ejaculation’.

2004 Time Out N.Y. 4 Nov. 171/2 One possibility is that you're experiencing what's known as a ‘retrograde ejaculation’.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

retrogradev.

Brit.

/ˈrɛtrə(ʊ)ɡreɪd/, U.S.

/ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French retrograder; Latin retrōgradī, retrogradare.

Etymology: < Middle French retrograder (French rétrograder ) (reflexive) to go back (1377), (of a celestial object) to show retrograde motion (1488), to return, to go back, to go backwards (16th cent.), to send back, make go back (16th cent.), to date back to an earlier period (1589; 1690 in sense ‘to regress’) and its etymon classical Latin retrōgradī (in post-classical Latin also retrogradare (5th cent.), retrogradari (12th cent.)) to step backwards, (of a celestial object) to show retrograde motion < retrō retro- prefix + gradī to go (see gradient adj.). Compare Spanish retrogradar (13th cent.), Portuguese retrogradar (1526), Italian retrogradare , †ritrogradare (13th cent.). Compare earlier retrograde adj., retrogradient adj., retrogradant adj., retrogradate adj., retrogradation n.

†1. transitive. To turn back; to reverse. Cf. regress v. 1b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [verb (transitive)]

retrograde1582

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn the reverse or wrong way

turna1200

misturna1350

overturna1382

reversec1400

revertc1440

inturn1573

retrograde1582

renversec1586

retrovert1782

roll1918

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > turn back or reverse the course of

reverse?a1439

to turn back?1531

return?1542

retrograde1582

tergiverse1602

turn1665

to roll back1695

revert1814

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > arrange in sequence or series [verb (transitive)] > reverse natural or proper order

misturna1350

inverse?a1425

invert1533

transvert1552

preposterate1566

retrograde1582

rencounter1689

transverse1738

1582 Queen Marguerite of Navarre's Godlie Medit. (new ed.) in T. Bentley et al. Monument of Matrones ii. 25 And euen as the feare of death doth retrograde vs: so ought loue to giue vs a desire to die.

1600 J. Sylvester in R. Allott Englands Parnassus 507 The firmament shall retrograde his course.

1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia ii. v. 55 To Rectifie the Table: retrograde the Ruler.

1653 R. Saunders Treat. Moles Body Man & Woman 37 in Physiognomie Say these letters, B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. K. and to retrograde them from K. to B.

1850 R. W. Emerson Montaigne in Representative Men iv. 184 We see, now, events forced on, which seem to retard or retrograde the civility of ages.

†2. intransitive. Of gout: to move from the joints to another part of the body. Cf. retrocedent adj. 2a. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > diseases of tissue > disorders of joints > have disorder of joints [verb (intransitive)] > of gout: strike inwards

retrograde1599

retrocede1791

1599 A. M. tr. O. Gaebelkhover Bk. Physicke 203/1 The Goute, which chaunceth to one in anye of the Joynctes, and retrogradeth this way, or that way, with greate greefe.

3. Astronomy and Astrology.

a. intransitive. Esp. of a planet: to proceed in the opposite direction to the sun around the ecliptic, i.e. from east to west across the celestial sphere; to show retrograde motion.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > move [verb (intransitive)] > retrograde

regressa1525

retrogradate1599

retrograde1601

1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 214 The Moone..which retrogradeth thirteenth parts of the Zodiacke in fowre and twentie howres.

1654 N. Culpeper Cent. Aphorisms in Opus Astrologium §30 sig. B7 If a Planet retrograde,..he denotes much discord and contradiction in the business.

1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) (at cited word) Mars retrogrades more than Jupiter.

1763 B. Martin Young Gentleman & Lady's Philos. II. vi. 59 The Place of the ascending Node..through every Month of the Year it retrogrades.

1833 J. F. W. Herschel Astronomy viii. 255 The former [sc. Mercury] continues to retrograde during about 22 days.

1874 A. Searle Outl. Astron. xvi. 407 The satellite of Neptune also probably retrogrades, and its inclination is therefore 150° instead of 30°.

1919 Pop. Sci. Monthly Apr. 77/1 On April 20 Mercury ceases to retrograde and moves eastward again.

1991 C. Mansall Discover Astrol. v. 101 Mars begins to retrograde on 27 March returning to direct motion on 11 June.

†b. intransitive. Of the sun: to show apparent motion back southwards after reaching the most northerly position of the year. Cf. retrograde adj. 2b. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. ii. 482 Then South-ward Sol doth retro-grade, Goes (Crab-like) backward.

a. intransitive. Originally: †to move backwards, take a backward course; to recede, withdraw (obsolete). In later use: (Military) to draw back from a position, to retreat.In quot. 1656 †transitive with it in same sense (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)]

reversec1450

recoil1483

back1486

regressa1525

retire1542

flinch1578

retrograde1613

recur1616

retrocede1638

ravel1656

backen1748

regrede1800

regrade1811

retrogress1812

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > retire, withdraw, or retreat

withdraw1297

recoilc1330

give place1382

arrear1399

to draw backa1400

resortc1425

adrawc1450

recedec1450

retraya1470

returna1470

rebut1481

wyke1481

umbedrawc1485

retreata1500

retract1535

retire1542

to give back1548

regress1552

to fall back?1567

peak1576

flinch1578

to fall offa1586

to draw off1602

to give ground1607

retrograde1613

to train off1796

to beat a retreat1861

to back off1938

1613 T. Heywood Brazen Age ii. ii I can by Art make riuers retrograde, Alter their channels, run backe to their heads.

1656 S. Hunton Golden Law 14 His Sun of glory may decline and retrograde it, as on the Dyal of Ahaz.

1762 G.-A. Gallini Treat. Art of Dancing 237 Dancing is..an action upon the theatres..: it moves to the right, to the left; it retrogrades, it advances.

1796 State Papers in Ann. Reg. 192/2 Soon..the victorious French repulsed their enemies on all sides, and from day to day the armies of England and the States retrograded towards our frontiers.

1812 Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 19 Sept. 372 Arrived mid-way towards that town, he learned that the Prince of Eckmuhl had entered it; he again retrograded.

1822 J. M. Good Study Med. I. 229 Some portion of it retrogrades, and is carried by absorption into the system.

1859 J. S. Mill Diss. & Disc. (1875) II. 169 All sorts of confused voices called for different things, and most of the assailants wished to retrograde rather than to advance.

1893 D. F. Campbell & H. W. Herbert tr. A. Thiers Hist. Consulate & Empire of France under Napoleon IV. xlvi. 272/2 Lord Wellington..quickly raised his camp and retrograded towards Salamanca by the way he had come.

1904 F. L. Huidekoper Mil. Stud. 222 The Archduke had ordered Kollowrath to retrograde from Abbach and take position between Isling and the Galgenberg.

2005 Ground Warrior (Nexis) 22 Dec. 20 While retrograding from a forward firing position to a rear one, the HMMWV [sc. High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle] attempted a 110-degree turn.

†b. intransitive. To move back to an earlier time. Cf. retrospect v. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the past > [verb (intransitive)] > go back in time

recourse1561

to go back1587

to run up1609

to put (also set, turn, etc.) back the clock1623

recedea1681

amount1714

to put (also set, turn, etc.) the clock back1745

remount1777

mount1788

retrograde1797

to throw back1855

1797 ‘Gabrielli’ Mysterious Wife I. xiv. 213 We..take the liberty of retrograding a few steps..to give the reader a slight sketch of Sir William Cleveland's family history.

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 254 Our history must needs retrograde for the space of a few pages.

1825 W. Scott Talisman ix, in Tales Crusaders IV. 173 Our narrative retrogrades to a period shortly previous to the incidents last mentioned.

1828 Gentleman's Mag. Apr. 336/1 The existence of ancient hereditary surnames among the poor, retrogrades to periods far more ancient than the time usually supposed, that of Edw. II.

5. intransitive. To fall back or revert towards a lower or less flourishing (former) condition; to regress. Also †transitive: to cause (a person or thing) to fall back or revert in this manner (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [verb (intransitive)]

recidivate1528

recoil1542

retrograde1613

recide1628

retrogress1812

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vii. xi. 710 Thus you see one Retrograde from a sensitiue to a vegitatiue life.

1646 Conscience Caution'd 10 I keep to Principles of Nature, that man cannot retrograde nor invert except he bestialize.

1678 J. Gosnold Holy & Profitable Sayings (single sheet) A military Christian has no interval in his Warfare, his Condition, like that of a Kingdoms, when it ceases to be happy, retrogrades into destruction.

1780 T. Alcock Mem. Dr. Nathan Alcock 13 They should at least gain some advantage, by retrograding him to a bachelor, and thereby protracting the time of his admission to practice.

1787 W. V. Murray Polit. Sketches iii. 61 That declension of the Social Character which retrogrades it to a state of original rudeness.

1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall VI. lxxi. 622 All that is human must retrograde if it do not advance.

1816 T. L. Peacock Headlong Hall v. 51 Where one man advances, hundreds retrograde; and the balance is always in favour of universal deterioration.

1852 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation (ed. 2) i. iii. 106 Compared with the latter the labourers may be truly said to have retrograded.

1895 A. Carnegie in Union Coll. Pract. Lect. I. 322 The supply of the good and the great would cease, and human society retrograde into barbarism.

1931 J. T. Adams Tempo of Mod. Life i. iv. 89 The human race would not have advanced far had it never risen above the performance of mere bodily functions,..nor will..the race advance which retrogrades in the power of concentrated thought.

1999 China Daily (Nexis) 26 Aug. 4 The ethics of human beings, as well as civilizations, are retrograding.

6. intransitive. Physical Geography. Of a coastline, waterfall, etc.: to travel in a landward or upstream direction as a result of erosion; to undergo retrogradation (retrogradation n. 4b); (of a glacier) to recede. Also transitive: to cause to recede in this way.

ΚΠ

1830 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. I. xi. 181 There seems good foundation for the general opinion, that the falls were once at Queenstown, and that they have gradually retrograded from that place to their present position, about seven miles distant.

1863 C. Lyell Geol. Evid. Antiq. Man 292 The marks which a glacier leaves behind it as it retrogrades.

1909 Geogr. Jrnl. 34 303 After having maturely retrograded the cliffs, the waves have prograded the strand-plain.

1912 Science 26 Apr. 657/2 The shorter stream-beds..were left behind, having no power of retrograding to keep level with master streams.

1960 Jrnl. Ecol. 48 125 Although the main coastal dunes are severely eroded at Newborough, this does not mean that the coastline is necessarily retrograding.

1997 Jrnl. Coastal Res. 13 473/2 The barriers [sc. dunes] are retreating, retrograding locally over the estuarine lagoonal sediments.

7. transitive. Geology. To transform by retrograde metamorphism (cf. retrograde adj. 3f).

ΚΠ

1968 Lithos 1 327 These gneiss assemblages correspond to high pressure granulites which have subsequently been partially retrograded to almandine–amphibolite facies assemblages.

1990 P. Kearey & F. J. Vine Global Tectonics ii. 24 (in figure) Actinolite retrograded to Greenschist.

2009 Appl. Geochem. 24 520/2 Most of the jadeite–quartzite samples have been strongly retrograded.

Derivatives

ˈretrograded adj. that has been retrograded; retrograde.

ΚΠ

1786 J. Fleming New Syst. Astron. xxvii. 142 With respect to their primaries [sc. Planets], they move sometimes direct, at times they are stationary, and at other times they are retrograded in their course.

1881 Science 2 Apr. 148/1 A most highly specialized group, are nevertheless, odontologically considered, degenerated and retrograded creatures.

1999 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) A. 357 714 Middle to lower crustal rocks, deformed in the ductile regime and variably retrograded.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	retrograde
释义	retrogradeadj.n.adv. Brit. /ˈrɛtrə(ʊ)ɡreɪd/, U.S. /ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/ Forms: Middle English 1600s retrograd, Middle English– retrograde, 1500s rethrogarde, 1500s rethrograte, 1500s retrogarde, 1500s retrograt, 1500s retrograte, 1500s–1600s retrogard; Scottish pre-1700 retrograd, pre-1700 retrograid, pre-1700 retrograide, pre-1700 1700s– retrograde. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French retrograde; Latin retrōgradus. Etymology: < Middle French retrograde, French rétrograde (of celestial objects) appearing to travel backwards (a1377), reverse (a1377 in ordre retrograde ), (of verse) having each verse beginning with the same word with which the preceding verse ended, able to be read with the order of the words reversed, that is the same whether read backwards or forwards, palindromic (a1377; the precise meaning in early use is unclear), going backwards (15th cent.; 1636 in figurative use, of a person), belonging to the past (1501), that wishes to restore the past, that is opposed to all progress or change (a1792; 1831 as noun) and its etymon classical Latin retrōgradus (of celestial objects) appearing to travel backwards, in post-classical Latin also (of verse) palindromic (13th cent. in British sources), (of order) reverse (14th cent. in British sources) < retrō retro- prefix + -gradus -grade comb. form. Compare Spanish retrogrado (13th cent.), Portuguese retrógrado (15th cent.), Italian retrogrado (14th cent.). Compare retrogradient adj., retrogradation n., and retrograde v., and also retrogate adj.In sense A. 3d after post-classical Latin retrogradus ( G. Engelmann De Antholysi prodromus auctore (1832) 63). N.E.D. (1908) also gives the pronunciation (rītro-) /riːtrəʊ-/ for the first element. A. adj. 1. Of a planet or other celestial object. a. Astronomy and (now chiefly) Astrology. Temporarily appearing to move across the sky in the reverse direction to that which is usual for it, i.e. from east to west across the celestial sphere. Opposed to prograde adj. 1.In the case of the superior planets the phenomenon occurs as a result of their having longer orbital periods than the earth.Some astrologers consider a retrograde planet to be inauspicious or to have a weakened influence. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > [adjective] > retrograde retrogradec1400 retrogradientc1425 retrogradant1523 retrocedent1583 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 113^v Whanne he comeþ aftir þe sonne, he semyth retrogradus, goinge bacward.] c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Brussels) (1940) ii. §35. f. 93 This is the wirkynge..to knowe ȝif that eny planete be direct or retrograd. 1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxi. 104 He sette in werkynge The bodyes aboue to haue theyr mouynge,..Some rethrogarde, and some dyrectly. 1589 R. Greene Ciceronis Amor 25 Fonde are those women that are inquisitiue after Astrologers, whether Venus be retrograde or combust in their natiuities. 1637 R. Basset Curiosities 29 By reason the Moon is retrograde, & ill deposed at that time, is the cause of its death. 1671 J. Blagrave Astrol. Pract. Physick 91 By no means let the Moon be aspected of any retrograde planet. 1761 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy III. xxiii. 119 I would have sworn some retrograde planet was hanging over this unfortunate house of mine. 1880 J. H. Shorthouse John Inglesant I. 282 Jupiter, lord of the ascendant, and Saturn being retrograde. 1912 L. George Astrol. Gleanings 98 When a benefic planet is stationary or retrograde its power for good is weakened. 2001 Kindred Spirit Summer 31/3 A retrograde planet will operate astrologically from its second sign of rulership. b. Astronomy. Originally: (of a comet) that moves in the opposite direction to the sun around the ecliptic, i.e. from east to west across the celestial sphere. Later: (of a comet, satellite, etc.) orbiting in the reverse direction to that which is usual in the solar system, i.e. clockwise as seen from north of the ecliptic. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > constellation > comet or meteor > comet > [adjective] > moving east to west retrograde1734 1734 J. T. Desaguliers Course Exper. Philos. I. 354 A retrograde Comet, such as that of the year 1682, which moving from East to West, was carried directly again the suppos'd Stream of cœlestial Matter. 1757 Scots Mag. Sept. 471/2 The comet of 1607 and that of 1682, were one and the same; for both were retrograde, as was the species of the orbit in both. 1853 J. F. W. Herschel Pop. Lect. Sci. (1873) vi. §23. 106 Retrograde comets, or those whose motion is opposite to that of the planets, are as common as direct ones. 1898 F. B. Taylor Endogenous Planetary Syst. 6 A planet which has a retrograde satellite system. 1930 Sci. News Let. 10 May 299/1 Considering the orbits of retrograde comets,..we find that the mean inclination of the orbits..approaches near to one hundred degrees. 2006 L. Esposito Planetary Rings xvi. 162 The ultraviolet ring spectrum is quite similar to that of Saturn's retrograde moon, Phoebe. 2. a. Directed or moving backwards; in a direction contrary to the previous or usual motion; retreating. Now chiefly in scientific or military contexts. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adjective] retrogate1584 retrograde1622 regressive1634 retrocessive1816 reverse1839 rearward1843 c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) clxx (MED) Though thy begynnyng hath bene retrograde, Be froward opposyt quhare till aspert; Now sall thai turn and luke on the dert. 1622 G. de Malynes Consuetudo 400 The partie who tooke this Bill..must goe a retrograde course heerein. 1678 J. Worlidge Vinetum Britannicum (ed. 2) 58 The sap..will expend it self by a retrograde as well as by a direct motion. 1745 E. Haywood Female Spectator (1748) No. 10. II. 208 They seem rather like buckets in a well, that are always in a retrograde motion. 1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. x. 318 Every step that he had taken..was retrograde. 1847 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Peru II. iv. iv. 154 The sufferings endured by the Spaniards on their retrograde march to Quito. 1880 A. Günther Introd. Study of Fishes 44 Retrograde motions can be made by fish in an imperfect manner only. 1900 L. M. Loomis Calif. Water Birds v. i. 351 The Bonaparte's Gulls..headed northward, seemingly making this retrograde movement in order to sight the coast-line above Santa Cruz. 1922 Encycl. Brit. XXXI. 855/2 The hesitation observable in the German advance was soon followed by an unmistakable retrograde movement. 1993 S. J. Ettinger Pocket Compan. Textbk. Vet. Internal Med. vii. 18 Regurgitation is defined as passive, retrograde movement of ingested material, usually before it has reached the stomach. 2005 K. Dougherty & J. M. Moore Penins. Campaign 1862 v. 155 An analysis of McClellan's execution based on current military doctrine for retrograde operations indicates that McClellan's withdrawal was nearly flawless. †b. Astronomy. Of the apparent motion of the sun or the moon: southward again after reaching its most northerly position, occurring annually for the sun and monthly for the moon. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) vi. 43 The mune..is moir suift in hyr retrograid cours nor the soune is. 1693 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. I. vi. 201 The Chaldean Astronomers..labour'd to suppress this Retrograde motion of the Sun. c. Astronomy. Of the apparent motion of a planet, comet, etc.: from east to west across the celestial sphere; (of the actual orbital motion or axial rotation of a comet, satellite, etc.) in a reverse direction to that which is usual in the solar system, i.e. clockwise as seen from north of the ecliptic; of or relating to such motion. Opposed to direct adj. 3 and prograde adj. 1. ΚΠ c1592 Faire Em sig. C3^v But Planets rulde by retrogard aspect, Foretolde mine yll in my natiuitie. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 127 Thir wandring course now high, now low, then hid, Progressive, retrograde, or standing still. View more context for this quotation 1724 Philos. Trans. 1722–3 (Royal Soc.) 33 48 In its Orbit thus situated, the Motion of the Comet was Retrograde or contrary to the Order of the Signs. 1755 B. Martin Mag. Arts & Sci. 98 The retrograde Motion in Mercury is but of short Duration indeed. 1833 J. F. W. Herschel Astronomy ix. 299 Contrary to the unbroken analogy of the whole planetary system.., in these orbits their motions are retrograde. 1858 Jrnl. Amer. Oriental Soc. 6 441 The proportion..gives us the amount of retrograde motion of the moon's node since the commencement of the Iron Age. 1907 J. E. Gore Astron. Ess. xx. 271 Very possible the rotation of Saturn, when in the gaseous state, was originally in a retrograde direction. 1930 H. T. Stetson Man & Stars iv. 31 The heliocentric hypothesis..was equally capable of explaining the retrograde motion of the inferior planets, Venus and Mercury. 2004 J. C. Brandt & R. D. Chapman Introd. Comets (ed. 2) i. 17 The planes of cometary orbits could be inclined at all angles to the ecliptic, and their direction of motion could be either direct or retrograde. 3. a. Tending or inclined to fall back or revert to an inferior or less developed (former) condition; declining, deteriorating; (also) reactionary, backward-looking. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [adjective] retrograde?1518 retrogradousa1660 retrogressive1688 retrocessive1816 regressive1835 the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > bias, prejudice > dislike of change, reaction > [adjective] retrograde?1518 hidebound1603 tradition-bound1660 tradition-loving1660 tradition-ridden1660 mumpsimus1680 stickfast1803 arriéré1814 stick-in-the-mud1832 reactive1836 reactionary1847 reactionist1848 misoneistic1891 red-necked1896 Blimpian1935 blimpish1938 redneck1938 ?1518 R. Copland tr. P. Gringore Complaynte them that ben to late Maryed (new ed.) sig. B.iii.^v Both yonge & olde must haue theyr sustenaunce Euer in this worlde, soo fekyll and rethrograte. 1595 S. Daniel First Fowre Bks. Ciuile Warres v. xxxix. sig. Bb3^v Weary the soule with contrarieties: Till all Religion become retrograde. 1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 132 Ther-fore it is good for Princes, if they vse ambitious men, to handle it so, as they bestil progressiue, and not retrograde. 1664 J. Evelyn Pomona iv. 13 in Sylva Nature does more delight in progress, then to be Retrograde and go backwards. 1709 H. Sacheverell Perils False Brethren 22 Who..is agen ready to be Retrograde, whenever the Wind shall Change, and Veer about. 1773 S. Johnson Let. 21 Sept. (1992) II. 77 His retrograde ambition was completely gratified. 1816 T. L. Peacock Headlong Hall (ed. 2) x. 141 The human mind, which will necessarily become retrograde in ceasing to be progressive. 1868 J. E. T. Rogers Man. Polit. Econ. vi. 57 The capital of a country may be stationary, progressive, or retrograde. 1979 J. Wainwright Brainwash xlii. 184 To them the abolition of hanging was a retrograde step. 1995 City Paper (Baltimore) 31 May 24/3 There were some very retrograde sexual attitudes behind the films [sic] hip facade. †b. Backward; slow to act. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [adjective] argha1000 slowOE unwillyc1200 sweera1300 unfain1338 loathc1374 dangerousc1386 eschewc1386 squeamous1387 obstinate?a1439 unpresta1500 ill-willing?1520 evil-willing1525 untowards1525 untowarda1530 unwilling1533 strange1548 ill-willed1549 dainty1553 relucting1553 squeamish?1553 nicea1560 loathful1561 coyish1566 coy1576 unhearty1583 costive1594 unready1595 tarrowinga1598 undisposed1597 involuntary1598 backward1600 retrograde1602 unpregnant1604 scrupulous1608 unprone1611 refractory1614 behindhanda1616 nilling1620 backwards1627 shya1628 retractable1632 reluctant1638 loughta1641 tendera1641 unapt1640 uninclinable1640 unbeteaming1642 boggling1645 averse1646 indisposed1646 aversant1657 incomposed1660 disinclined1703 unobliging1707 unconsenting1713 uninclined1729 tenacious1766 disinclinable1769 ill-disposed1771 unaffectioned1788 scruplesomec1800 back-handed1817 sweert1817 tharf1828 backward in coming forward1830 unvoluntary1834 misinclined1837 squeamy1838 balky1847 retractive1869 grudging1874 tharfish1876 unwishful1876 safety first1917 1602 B. Jonson Poetaster v. iii. sig. L4 Rampe vp, my Genius; be not Retrograde: But boldly nominate a Spade, a Spade. 1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy V. xvi. 76 He..would often say, especially when his pen was a little retrograde, [etc.]. c. Medicine. Tending to disintegration or liquefaction; degenerative. Also: (of a tuberculous or other granulomatous lesion) caseous, calcified, or fibrotic. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > growth or excrescence > [adjective] > tuber or tubercle > qualities of retrograde1817 retrocedent1852 1817 R. Jackson Sketch Hist. & Cure Febrile Dis. ii. i. 467 I shall now add a remark on forms [of dysenteric fever] which may be properly be termed retrograde or liquescent. 1853 Brit. & Foreign Medico-chirurg. Rev. 12 217 Retrograde tubercle, atrophy, and induration of lungs. 1883 Med. Times & Gaz. 13 Jan. 53/1 He believed that these masses were retrograde gummata. 1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. II. 33 Obsolescent or retrograde tubercle in the lungs occurs in about nine per cent of all necropsies. 1908 T. L. Stedman et al. App. Ref. Handbk. Med. Sci. 568/2 Puncture [of a lipoma] with a trocar yields no fluid except in those cases in which excessive retrograde changes have taken place. 1910 S. G. Bonney Pulmonary Tuberculosis (ed. 2) lxvi. 547 With increasing development of the tubercle, which takes place by extension in the periphery, retrograde changes occur in the center. d. Botany. Designating the transformation of the organs of a plant (esp. those of the flower) into ones considered more primitive, as carpels into stamens, or petals into leaves, occurring esp. as a teratological phenomenon. Cf. phyllody n. 1, petalody n. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > plants > part of plant > growth, movement, or curvature of parts > [adjective] > of plant metamorphosis retrograde1834 1834 J. Lindley in Rep. Brit. Assoc. Advancem. Sci. 1833 52 He [sc. G. Engelmann] has collected a very considerable number of cases under the following heads. 1. Retrograde metamorphosis (Regressus), when organs assume the state of some of those on the outside of them, as when carpella change to stamens or petals. 1861 R. Bentley Man. Bot. i. iv. 356 If any of these organs become transformed into a leaf, this is called retrograde or descending metamorphosis. 1869 Hardwicke's Sci.-Gossip 1 Dec. 272/1 They do not constitute a deformity, such as is exhibited, for instance, in the retrograde metamorphosis of a flower, which is mischievous and destructive in its tendency. 1911 H. H. Rusby Man. Struct. Bot. iii. 47 In all of these cases the change is from a more complex organ, or one of higher rank, to one of a lower, and is called Retrograde Metamorphosis, or Reversion of Type. e. Zoology. Designating the transformation of the form of an animal into one considered more primitive, esp. when this takes place during the life history of an individual rather than being an evolutionary ‘regression’.Examples of such transformations include the loss of organs or limbs, or the change of a free-swimming larval form into a sessile adult. ΘΚΠ the world > life > biology > biological processes > development, growth, or degeneration > [adjective] > phase or type of life cycle retrograde1850 photophobe1897 heterogonic1926 homogonic1926 macrocyclic1926 scotophil1949 scotophilic1960 1850 R. Agassiz in Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 6 168 We have fluviatile Decapods which cannot be considered as higher than the crabs, unless it were shown that the shortened body of the Brachyural Decapods is the result of a retrograde metamorphosis. 1859 C. Darwin Origin of Species xviii. 448 The adult might become fitted for sites or habits, in which organs of locomotion or of the senses, &c., would be useless; and in this case the final metamorphosis would be said to be retrograde. 1923 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) B. 211 207 In the course of the autumn and winter, they undergo the retrograde metamorphosis which gives them their shape as eels. 1951 G. R. de Beer Vertebr. Zool. (ed. 2) xxxvii. 366 The others pass through a free-swimming larval stage, and then undergo a retrograde metamorphosis into sessile animals, losing the tail. 2006 S. Wischnitzer Atlas & Dissection Guide Compar. Anat. i. 10 Adhesive papillae..serve to attach the larva to an object, after which the organism undergoes retrograde metamorphosis, when it becomes sac-like. f. Geology. Of a metamorphic change: caused by a decrease in temperature or pressure following the most intense phase of metamorphism. Contrasted with prograde adj. 3. ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > structure of the earth > formation of features > metamorphism > [adjective] metamorphic1833 thermo-metamorphic1889 post-metamorphic1900 potassic1902 sodic1902 katamorphic1904 symphrattic1904 retrogressive1930 retrograde1932 Scourian1950 1932 A. Harker Metamorphism xx. 342 The changes which befall metamorphosed rocks subsequently to the culmination of metamorphism..are of the nature of degradation... This class of changes includes what Becke has styled ‘diaphthoresis’... It will be more convenient to speak of retrograde metamorphism. 1976 S. Judson et al. Physical Geol. v. 108/1 Evidence of reversal, known as retrograde metamorphism, is usually present in metamorphic rocks, but the extent is usually minor. 1990 P. Kearey & F. J. Vine Global Tectonics ii. 24 As the ridge spreads continuously, oceanic lithosphere is moved laterally from the heat source and undergoes retrograde metamorphism. 2008 R. H. Vernon & G. L. Clarke Princ. Metamorphic Petrol. vi. 277 Because retrograde metamorphic reactions require addition of volatile components (for example, H₂O), the development of reaction products is commonly patchy and incomplete. 4. a. Directed so as to retrace one's steps, or to return along a former course. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adjective] > moving backwards retrograde1564 apostatical1620 retrogressive1755 backing1862 retreative1898 1564 Sir T. Chaloner in J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1879) VIII. 45/1 [I am] now further from wealth..than I was eighteen years agone. Methinks I became a retrograde crab. 1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. iii, in Wks. I. 240 I faith, Master, Let's goe: no body comes... Let's bee retrograde. 1654 J. Playford Breefe Introd. Skill Musick i. 18 This Mood had its derivation from..the winding retrograde Meander. 1826 R. W. Emerson Let. 16 Apr. in J. E. Cabot Mem. Emerson (1887) I. iii. 114 Advancing with courageous heart into the unexplored wilderness, though with many delays and many retrograde wanderings. 1896 H. Barth Trav. & Disc. N. & Central Afr. III. lxxiv. 415 Fearing even for my life, which I was convinced was seriously threatened by another return toward Timbûktu, I..could not but regard this retrograde journey..as a most unfortunate event. 1915 Ann. of Iowa July 92 Back along the trail over which they had come,..the sad remnant of the once large and well-equipped train began its retrograde journey. b. Of verse: that is the same whether read backwards or forwards; palindromic. Now rare. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > part of poem > [adjective] > relating to or consisting of lines > palindromic Sotadical1610 retrograde1653 recurrent1706 reciprocal1728 Sotadean1774 Sotadic?a1814 1653 Ld. Brouncker tr. R. Descartes Excellent Compend. Musick 55 As for those artificiall Counter-poynts..they may not belong more to Musick, than Acrosticks, or retrograde Verses to Poesie. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Retrograde Verses are such as give the same Words, whether read backwards or forwards; call'd also reciprocal Verses, and Recurrents. 1781 J. T. Dillon Lett. Eng. Trav. Spain viii. 117 Inventions which sprang up in a barbarous age, such as the retrograde verse. 1801 C. Collignon tr. ‘Vosgien‘ Hist. & Biogr. Dict. IV. Sotades..invented a kind of irregular and retrograde Iambic verses, called from his name Sotadics. 1867 Galaxy June 172 A good example of the retrograde verse..is a brief dialogue between Abel and Cain. 1986 Mod. Lang. Rev. 81 p. xxxi In the more technical field of metre we find..versus concordantes, allowing a multiplicity of meaning..versus rapportati, retrograde verse. c. Of order in enumeration, occurrence, etc.: inverse, reversed. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > [adjective] > reversing natural order > reversed (of order) preposterous1533 inverse1568 inversed1573 inverted1577 retrograde1664 cockeye1899 1664 H. More Apol. 557 We will now take a Summary view of all the Objections,..which we shall doe in a retrograde order, beginning with the last. 1686 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Staffs. x. 421 The Dominical and other Letters vary every year in a retrograd order. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Retrograde Order, in Matters of Numeration, is when in lieu of accounting 1, 2, 3, 4, we count 4, 3, 2, 1. 1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 86. ⁋14 Here the third pair of syllables in the first..verse have their accents retrograde or inverted; the first syllable being strong or acute, and the second weak. 1796 R. Walker Origin & Progress Hist. Time Introd. 2 The series in the retrograde order, is thus completed: From the Crucifixion, To the..Creation. 1851 Monthly Jrnl. Med. Sci. Jan. 39 The incuse and retrograde form of these inscriptions. 1892 R. S. Poole Catal. Coins Alexandria & Nomes p. lvii The five planets are then repeated in retrograde order with the remaining five signs in regular order. 1921 Classical Philol. Apr. 191 Line 1 contains the alphabet in the regular order of vowels and consonants. Line 2 has the letters in retrograde order. 1996 H. Liebman Dramatic Art of David Storey ii. 53 In a chronologically retrograde order, from Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin in 1928, to..Sir Walter Raleigh who ‘lost his head’ in 1618. d. Music. Of imitation, melody, etc.: characterized by or consisting of a sequence of notes played backwards. retrograde canon: a canon in which the imitating voice produces the melody backwards (both voices usually starting together). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > melody or succession of sounds > [adjective] > melodic progression > backwards retrograde1667 1667 C. Simpson Compend. Pract. Musick v. 166 Of Retrograde Canon, or Canon Recte & Retro. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Imitation Sometimes the Motion or the Figure of the Notes, alone, is imitated; and that, sometimes even by a contrary Motion, which makes what they call a Retrograde Imitation. 1796 A. F. C. Kollmann Ess. Musical Harmony xv. 115 As an example of retrograde imitation see again Plate xxxiv..when the beginning is made with the last note, and the end with the first. 1869 F. A. G. Ouseley Treat. Counterpoint xv. 103 Imitation may also be retrograde, i.e. the consequent may be produced by reading the antecedent backwards. 1891 E. Prout Counterpoint (ed. 2) 243 Another even more intricate kind of canon is the Reverse Retrograde Canon. 1939 B. Fles tr. E. Křenek Music Here & Now i. 26 The development may be retrograde, if we read a melodic figure from the last tone to the first, etc. 1952 Tempo No. 24. 9 Even in the form of abstract figurations both the retrograde motif and its original pervade the texture of the music. 2002 G. Mazzola et al. Topos of Music iii. x. 194 A retrograde theme may look very dissimilar from the original. †e. Operating in a backward direction. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > types of machine generally > [adjective] > operating backwards retroactive1706 retrograde1797 back-action1845 1797 Monthly Mag. May 384/2 Letters patent were granted..for a Machine producing Retrogradatory Motion... This machine may be worked by hand, or any of the other ordinary powers, and it will be of infinite service in raising coals from ships' holds, for..mangles, and for every species of retrograde machinery. f. Medicine and Physiology. Of nerve impulse conduction, synaptic transmission, or other neural processes: occurring in a direction opposite to the normal. Also: involved in such a process. ΚΠ 1900 Jrnl. Nerv. & Mental Dis. 27 614 Retrograde degeneration is a term used to describe the degeneration which takes place in a divided nerve centrally as opposed to the peripheral or Wallerian degeneration. 1926 Amer. Heart Jrnl. 1 352 This obviously could not be due to retrograde conduction of impulses from ventricles. 1979 B. Droz et al. in S. Tuček & E. A. Barnard Cholinergic Synapse 41 Macromolecules are cleared from presynaptic endings by local breakdown, retrograde transport or extraneuronal release. 2002 Science 26 Apr. 678/1 Endogenous cannabinoids can function as retrograde synaptic messengers: they are released from postsynaptic neurons and travel backward across synapses. 5. Opposed, contrary, or contradictory to something. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > [adjective] contrarious1340 contraryc1340 contrairc1400 repugnant1425 reverse1481 contrariant1530 cross1565 obversant1579 thwart1601 retrogradea1616 pugnant1645 antipathic1830 antithetical1848 a1616 W. Shakespeare Hamlet (1623) i. ii. 114 For your intent In going backe to Schoole in Wittenberg. It is most retrograde [1604 retrogard] to our desire. 1643 J. Milton Soveraigne Salve 4 Preferred the means before the end, which is retrograde to reason. 1653 W. Hemings Fatal Contract Thou shews't a nature retrograde to honour. 1704 Elegy xxxv. 31 Malice is always Retrograde to Sense. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1784 II. 520 I would not..for ten pounds, have seemed so retrograde to any general observance. 1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl VI. i. 8 There was something in trade..very retrograde to her feelings. 1858 D. Macgregor in W. Hanna Ess. Ministers Free Church Scotl. iv. 120 An envious, suspicious, if not even dangerous task; in one sense as ‘retrograde’ to the desire of the present writer as to approach a spot where the dead lie festering. 1971 H. F. Beechold Creative Classroom iii. 94 Imposing..a set of prohibitions on the student..is retrograde to the purposes of education regardless of how ‘pure’ or well-sanctioned the motives. 2002 P. Kivy Introd. Philos. Music xii. 241 This would be as retrograde to the composer's intentions as if they did the same with the Bach sonata. 6. Medicine. Of amnesia: relating to the time preceding the causal event. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > degree or type of mental illness > [adjective] > memory disorders amnesic1868 retrograde1882 paramnesic1894 1882 T. Ribot Dis. Memory v. 195 In cases where amnesia follows cerebral shock, forgetfulness is always retrograde [Fr. rétroactif], extending over a more or less protracted period, previous to the accident. 1895 Lancet 13 July 127/1 In retrograde localised amnesia, due, for example, to an injury, the events of the forgotten period are ordinary occurrences. 1959 Times 12 Sept. 4/5 You could not, as a doctor of your experience, confuse retrograde with prograde amnesia in such circumstances? 2006 New Yorker 27 Feb. 27/2 Bruce was suffering from a rare condition known as total retrograde amnesia. B. n. 1. a. A backward movement or tendency. Also: (Astrology) the retrograde motion of a planet. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > [noun] > retrograde motion retrogradation?c1450 retrogration1567 regradation1607 retrograde1613 retrogression1619 retrocession1639 regression1640 regress1642 repedation1646 retrogation1646 antecedence1649 the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [noun] > tendency lability1554 retrograde1613 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 27 As if with an imperfect retrograde he [sc. man] would return into his first elements. 1643 E. Bowles Plaine Eng. 18 The designe must on, the authours are impatient of this retrograde they have suffred these three yeeres. 1671 F. Vernon Let. 23 Nov. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1971) VIII. 384 In some two dayes Saturne was to finish his Retrograde, & returne to his direct motion. 1830 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) II. 14 What Sir Robert [Wilson] styles the retrograde of intellect would be the breaking up of these meshes of thraldom. 1868 W. H. Locke Story of Regiment iv. 362 There were advances and retrogrades, skirmishes and battles. 1992 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Dec. 290/2 During the retrograde of Mercury..you'll be dying to get together with people. b. in retrograde: in a backward direction. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > backwards [phrase] on (rarely of), upon back1447 in retrograde1821 1821 D. Price Chronol. Retrospect vi. 276 This rapid movement in retrograde might afford grounds for the suspicion, that occurrences in advance did not terminate in a manner exactly to correspond with the views of Teymûr. 1854 G. W. Röhner Pract. Treat. Musical Composition iii. v. 246 The leading member of the canonic series commencing with the first section, continues with the second section in retrograde. 1870 J. S. McDonald Vital Philos. x. clxvi. 243 The reflective faculties..may be traced backward;..and thus, in retrograde, we find the entities of sentimental existence lost, or buried within the precincts of lower conditions. 1954 W. Faulkner Fable 5 For another instant, the cavalry held. And even then, it did not break. It just began to move in retrograde while still facing forward. 1996 D. J. Headlam Music of Alban Berg ii. 61 At the end of the movement..the opening chords return in retrograde. 2. †a. A person who falls back from a standard or norm. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > worse > [noun] > one who or that which appairer1382 pairer1408 impairera1586 retrograde1633 aggravativea1734 witherer1828 society > morality > moral evil > moral or spiritual degeneration > [noun] > person degenerate1555 iron man?1617 retrograde1633 retrogressive1847 1633 W. Prynne Histrio-mastix 100 Our Play-hunters would haue been good proficients, not retrogrades, in the schoole of Virtue. 1897 Christian Herald (N.Y.) 1 Sept. 663/1 These retrogrades are to be pitied quite as much as those who..have not enjoyed any training advantages. b. A person who changes allegiance or goes back on a previous agreement; a rebel, a renegade. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > [noun] > desertion of one's party or principles > one who renay1340 apostate1362 renegatec1450 starter1519 reniant1532 changeling1539 rannigala1560 recreant1570 turncoat1570 renegado1573 start-away1574 off-faller?1575 start-back1579 departer1586 reneger1597 retrospicientc1600 runagadea1604 renegade1611 turn-tail1621 runagado1623 trip-coata1625 retrogredient1650 retrograde1651 tergiversator1716 rat1755 ratter1819 tergiversant1833 blackleg1844 strike-breaker1904 faller-out1964 1651 Hue & Cry Rambling Protonotaries 5 Confine him till th'hast found Britanicus, That sniveling Retrograde at th'holy Buss, With some sweet Ruth behind a Kitchin-door, Or wheel-barrow fashion riggling of a W—. 1715 E. Settle Rebellion Display'd 10 Retrogrades from Sense, Souls so deprav'd, Wit, Reason, all to their dark Cause enslav'd. 1731 ‘A. Scriblerus’ Gorgoneicon p. xviii Such abandon'd Creatures as have sworn to the present Royal Family and happy Government..turn Retrogrades and vote and subscribe for an utter change of Government. 1771 A. M. E. Cooke Hermit Converted 39 He leaves the retrogrades to brag,..fast in an Irish quag; For they who will not with the British crown, Go to the top, must go to bottom down. 1883 in Papers Rel. Foreign Relations U.S. (1884) 46 In the midst of the bloody tumult many soldiers..sought an asylum in a certain house which was in the service of the retrogrades, and they were delivered to their executioners. 1907 Outing Nov. 198 ‘You are a retrograde, a renegade, a blackguard and a murderer,’ I said to him calmly. c. A person who opposes reform or change; a backward-looking, conservative, or reactionary person. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > bias, prejudice > dislike of change, reaction > [noun] > person mumpsimus1530 inveteratist1715 reactionary1799 statu quo-ite1816 retrograde1825 redneck1830 stationary1831 stick-in-the-mud1832 reactionist1834 retrogradist1836 retrogressionist1848 mountainy man1851 misoneist1891 reactionarist1907 blimp1934 Neanderthal1966 hard hat1970 1825 Port Folio Mar. 189 The triumph of the retrogrades has been so complete in Spain, that they themselves are frightened at their own success. 1884 J. W. Probyn Italy vii. 143 Thus he was hated by the retrogrades who opposed all change, and he was disliked by the advanced party. 1911 W. R. Thayer Life & Times Cavour I. xi. 311 Probably three quarters of the clergy were retrogrades by training and conviction, and the peasants took their cue from their priests. 1983 K. M. Cook tr. A. V. Anikin Gold vi. 138 The critics of gold represent its supporters as hopeless retrogrades, upholders of obsolete dogmas. 2008 S. Geroulanos & D. Ginsburg tr. G. Canguilhem Knowl. of Life 53 Charles Robin, in France, seemed like a grouchy retrograde. †3. Billiards. Backspin imparted to a cue ball by striking it below its centre. Cf. screw n.¹ 19a. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > billiards, pool, or snooker > [noun] > motion of ball kiss1836 spread1838 screw back1869 retrograde1896 topside1904 1896 W. Broadfoot in W. Broadfoot et al. Billiards (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) vi. 207 Backward rotation, retrograde, or screw, is obtained by striking the ball..below the centre. C. adv. In a backward or reverse direction. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [adverb] abackOE ruglingc1225 abackwardc1275 backwarda1300 hindwarda1300 arsewardly1530 arseward1553 rearward1604 retrogradea1620 aversively?1624 arsewards1648 retrogradely1658 regressively1755 backlings1786 tailwise1825 rearwards1835 bass-ackwardsa1865 arseling1887 bass-ackward1902 ass-backwards1934 backasswards1951 backassward1961 the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > [adverb] > retrograde retrograde?1768–9 a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) ii. x. §4. 307 If wee will but walke retrograde, the same way backe againe. 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 188 [The priest] Crab-like goes retrograde from the Idoll. 1709 Refl. on Sacheverell's Serm. 21 The Reformation begun to go retrograde in Q. Elizabeth's time. ?1768–9 Encycl. Brit. (1771) I. 438/1 Her horary motion from the sun 3′ 57″.13 retrograde. 1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. §381 It will appear to us to travel from left to right, or retrograde. 1980 Early Music 8 111/2 Its slow movement incorporates the melody ‘God Save the King’, played first retrograde, later in inversion and finally in its normal form. 2005 D. A. Hinton Gold & Gilt v. 146 (caption) An ivory seal matrix..has a Latin inscription (with the letters cut ‘retrograde’ but here shown reversed). Compounds retrograde ejaculation n. Medicine the discharge of semen into the bladder rather than outwards through the penis, most commonly occurring after prostate surgery; an instance of this. ΚΠ 1948 Lancet 17 July 116/1 He also dwelt on the abnormalities associated with the ejaculation and mentioned the possibility of retrograde ejaculation into the bladder, as occurs after prostatectomy. 1989 M. Castleman Sexual Solutions (rev. ed.) v. 145 Some prostate surgery in which the gland is not removed results in ‘retrograde ejaculation’. 2004 Time Out N.Y. 4 Nov. 171/2 One possibility is that you're experiencing what's known as a ‘retrograde ejaculation’. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online June 2022). retrogradev. Brit. /ˈrɛtrə(ʊ)ɡreɪd/, U.S. /ˈrɛtrəˌɡreɪd/ Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French retrograder; Latin retrōgradī, retrogradare. Etymology: < Middle French retrograder (French rétrograder ) (reflexive) to go back (1377), (of a celestial object) to show retrograde motion (1488), to return, to go back, to go backwards (16th cent.), to send back, make go back (16th cent.), to date back to an earlier period (1589; 1690 in sense ‘to regress’) and its etymon classical Latin retrōgradī (in post-classical Latin also retrogradare (5th cent.), retrogradari (12th cent.)) to step backwards, (of a celestial object) to show retrograde motion < retrō retro- prefix + gradī to go (see gradient adj.). Compare Spanish retrogradar (13th cent.), Portuguese retrogradar (1526), Italian retrogradare , †ritrogradare (13th cent.). Compare earlier retrograde adj., retrogradient adj., retrogradant adj., retrogradate adj., retrogradation n. †1. transitive. To turn back; to reverse. Cf. regress v. 1b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [verb (transitive)] retrograde1582 the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn the reverse or wrong way turna1200 misturna1350 overturna1382 reversec1400 revertc1440 inturn1573 retrograde1582 renversec1586 retrovert1782 roll1918 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > turn back or reverse the course of reverse?a1439 to turn back?1531 return?1542 retrograde1582 tergiverse1602 turn1665 to roll back1695 revert1814 the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > arrange in sequence or series [verb (transitive)] > reverse natural or proper order misturna1350 inverse?a1425 invert1533 transvert1552 preposterate1566 retrograde1582 rencounter1689 transverse1738 1582 Queen Marguerite of Navarre's Godlie Medit. (new ed.) in T. Bentley et al. Monument of Matrones ii. 25 And euen as the feare of death doth retrograde vs: so ought loue to giue vs a desire to die. 1600 J. Sylvester in R. Allott Englands Parnassus 507 The firmament shall retrograde his course. 1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia ii. v. 55 To Rectifie the Table: retrograde the Ruler. 1653 R. Saunders Treat. Moles Body Man & Woman 37 in Physiognomie Say these letters, B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. K. and to retrograde them from K. to B. 1850 R. W. Emerson Montaigne in Representative Men iv. 184 We see, now, events forced on, which seem to retard or retrograde the civility of ages. †2. intransitive. Of gout: to move from the joints to another part of the body. Cf. retrocedent adj. 2a. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > diseases of tissue > disorders of joints > have disorder of joints [verb (intransitive)] > of gout: strike inwards retrograde1599 retrocede1791 1599 A. M. tr. O. Gaebelkhover Bk. Physicke 203/1 The Goute, which chaunceth to one in anye of the Joynctes, and retrogradeth this way, or that way, with greate greefe. 3. Astronomy and Astrology. a. intransitive. Esp. of a planet: to proceed in the opposite direction to the sun around the ecliptic, i.e. from east to west across the celestial sphere; to show retrograde motion. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > planet > planetary movement > move [verb (intransitive)] > retrograde regressa1525 retrogradate1599 retrograde1601 1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 214 The Moone..which retrogradeth thirteenth parts of the Zodiacke in fowre and twentie howres. 1654 N. Culpeper Cent. Aphorisms in Opus Astrologium §30 sig. B7 If a Planet retrograde,..he denotes much discord and contradiction in the business. 1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) (at cited word) Mars retrogrades more than Jupiter. 1763 B. Martin Young Gentleman & Lady's Philos. II. vi. 59 The Place of the ascending Node..through every Month of the Year it retrogrades. 1833 J. F. W. Herschel Astronomy viii. 255 The former [sc. Mercury] continues to retrograde during about 22 days. 1874 A. Searle Outl. Astron. xvi. 407 The satellite of Neptune also probably retrogrades, and its inclination is therefore 150° instead of 30°. 1919 Pop. Sci. Monthly Apr. 77/1 On April 20 Mercury ceases to retrograde and moves eastward again. 1991 C. Mansall Discover Astrol. v. 101 Mars begins to retrograde on 27 March returning to direct motion on 11 June. †b. intransitive. Of the sun: to show apparent motion back southwards after reaching the most northerly position of the year. Cf. retrograde adj. 2b. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. ii. 482 Then South-ward Sol doth retro-grade, Goes (Crab-like) backward. 4. a. intransitive. Originally: †to move backwards, take a backward course; to recede, withdraw (obsolete). In later use: (Military) to draw back from a position, to retreat.In quot. 1656 †transitive with it in same sense (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] reversec1450 recoil1483 back1486 regressa1525 retire1542 flinch1578 retrograde1613 recur1616 retrocede1638 ravel1656 backen1748 regrede1800 regrade1811 retrogress1812 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > retire, withdraw, or retreat withdraw1297 recoilc1330 give place1382 arrear1399 to draw backa1400 resortc1425 adrawc1450 recedec1450 retraya1470 returna1470 rebut1481 wyke1481 umbedrawc1485 retreata1500 retract1535 retire1542 to give back1548 regress1552 to fall back?1567 peak1576 flinch1578 to fall offa1586 to draw off1602 to give ground1607 retrograde1613 to train off1796 to beat a retreat1861 to back off1938 1613 T. Heywood Brazen Age ii. ii I can by Art make riuers retrograde, Alter their channels, run backe to their heads. 1656 S. Hunton Golden Law 14 His Sun of glory may decline and retrograde it, as on the Dyal of Ahaz. 1762 G.-A. Gallini Treat. Art of Dancing 237 Dancing is..an action upon the theatres..: it moves to the right, to the left; it retrogrades, it advances. 1796 State Papers in Ann. Reg. 192/2 Soon..the victorious French repulsed their enemies on all sides, and from day to day the armies of England and the States retrograded towards our frontiers. 1812 Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 19 Sept. 372 Arrived mid-way towards that town, he learned that the Prince of Eckmuhl had entered it; he again retrograded. 1822 J. M. Good Study Med. I. 229 Some portion of it retrogrades, and is carried by absorption into the system. 1859 J. S. Mill Diss. & Disc. (1875) II. 169 All sorts of confused voices called for different things, and most of the assailants wished to retrograde rather than to advance. 1893 D. F. Campbell & H. W. Herbert tr. A. Thiers Hist. Consulate & Empire of France under Napoleon IV. xlvi. 272/2 Lord Wellington..quickly raised his camp and retrograded towards Salamanca by the way he had come. 1904 F. L. Huidekoper Mil. Stud. 222 The Archduke had ordered Kollowrath to retrograde from Abbach and take position between Isling and the Galgenberg. 2005 Ground Warrior (Nexis) 22 Dec. 20 While retrograding from a forward firing position to a rear one, the HMMWV [sc. High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle] attempted a 110-degree turn. †b. intransitive. To move back to an earlier time. Cf. retrospect v. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the past > [verb (intransitive)] > go back in time recourse1561 to go back1587 to run up1609 to put (also set, turn, etc.) back the clock1623 recedea1681 amount1714 to put (also set, turn, etc.) the clock back1745 remount1777 mount1788 retrograde1797 to throw back1855 1797 ‘Gabrielli’ Mysterious Wife I. xiv. 213 We..take the liberty of retrograding a few steps..to give the reader a slight sketch of Sir William Cleveland's family history. 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 254 Our history must needs retrograde for the space of a few pages. 1825 W. Scott Talisman ix, in Tales Crusaders IV. 173 Our narrative retrogrades to a period shortly previous to the incidents last mentioned. 1828 Gentleman's Mag. Apr. 336/1 The existence of ancient hereditary surnames among the poor, retrogrades to periods far more ancient than the time usually supposed, that of Edw. II. 5. intransitive. To fall back or revert towards a lower or less flourishing (former) condition; to regress. Also †transitive: to cause (a person or thing) to fall back or revert in this manner (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > relapse > [verb (intransitive)] recidivate1528 recoil1542 retrograde1613 recide1628 retrogress1812 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vii. xi. 710 Thus you see one Retrograde from a sensitiue to a vegitatiue life. 1646 Conscience Caution'd 10 I keep to Principles of Nature, that man cannot retrograde nor invert except he bestialize. 1678 J. Gosnold Holy & Profitable Sayings (single sheet) A military Christian has no interval in his Warfare, his Condition, like that of a Kingdoms, when it ceases to be happy, retrogrades into destruction. 1780 T. Alcock Mem. Dr. Nathan Alcock 13 They should at least gain some advantage, by retrograding him to a bachelor, and thereby protracting the time of his admission to practice. 1787 W. V. Murray Polit. Sketches iii. 61 That declension of the Social Character which retrogrades it to a state of original rudeness. 1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall VI. lxxi. 622 All that is human must retrograde if it do not advance. 1816 T. L. Peacock Headlong Hall v. 51 Where one man advances, hundreds retrograde; and the balance is always in favour of universal deterioration. 1852 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation (ed. 2) i. iii. 106 Compared with the latter the labourers may be truly said to have retrograded. 1895 A. Carnegie in Union Coll. Pract. Lect. I. 322 The supply of the good and the great would cease, and human society retrograde into barbarism. 1931 J. T. Adams Tempo of Mod. Life i. iv. 89 The human race would not have advanced far had it never risen above the performance of mere bodily functions,..nor will..the race advance which retrogrades in the power of concentrated thought. 1999 China Daily (Nexis) 26 Aug. 4 The ethics of human beings, as well as civilizations, are retrograding. 6. intransitive. Physical Geography. Of a coastline, waterfall, etc.: to travel in a landward or upstream direction as a result of erosion; to undergo retrogradation (retrogradation n. 4b); (of a glacier) to recede. Also transitive: to cause to recede in this way. ΚΠ 1830 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. I. xi. 181 There seems good foundation for the general opinion, that the falls were once at Queenstown, and that they have gradually retrograded from that place to their present position, about seven miles distant. 1863 C. Lyell Geol. Evid. Antiq. Man 292 The marks which a glacier leaves behind it as it retrogrades. 1909 Geogr. Jrnl. 34 303 After having maturely retrograded the cliffs, the waves have prograded the strand-plain. 1912 Science 26 Apr. 657/2 The shorter stream-beds..were left behind, having no power of retrograding to keep level with master streams. 1960 Jrnl. Ecol. 48 125 Although the main coastal dunes are severely eroded at Newborough, this does not mean that the coastline is necessarily retrograding. 1997 Jrnl. Coastal Res. 13 473/2 The barriers [sc. dunes] are retreating, retrograding locally over the estuarine lagoonal sediments. 7. transitive. Geology. To transform by retrograde metamorphism (cf. retrograde adj. 3f). ΚΠ 1968 Lithos 1 327 These gneiss assemblages correspond to high pressure granulites which have subsequently been partially retrograded to almandine–amphibolite facies assemblages. 1990 P. Kearey & F. J. Vine Global Tectonics ii. 24 (in figure) Actinolite retrograded to Greenschist. 2009 Appl. Geochem. 24 520/2 Most of the jadeite–quartzite samples have been strongly retrograded. Derivatives ˈretrograded adj. that has been retrograded; retrograde. ΚΠ 1786 J. Fleming New Syst. Astron. xxvii. 142 With respect to their primaries [sc. Planets], they move sometimes direct, at times they are stationary, and at other times they are retrograded in their course. 1881 Science 2 Apr. 148/1 A most highly specialized group, are nevertheless, odontologically considered, degenerated and retrograded creatures. 1999 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) A. 357 714 Middle to lower crustal rocks, deformed in the ductile regime and variably retrograded. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.n.adv.c1400v.1582
随便看	to ice over to ice up to idle away to idle down to idle over to idle time away to ido of life to ido something to game to ido to game to idolatrize it to ignore the bill to immanentize the eschaton to imp the wings of to improve on to improve on a person to improve the occasion to improve the shining hour to improve upon to improve upon a person to in my thinking to in the contrary to incline one's ear to incline one's steps to include a person in to include a person out