WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Re"tro*grade
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. retrogradus, from retrogradi, retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back + gradi to step: cf. F. r?trograde. See Grade.]
Definition : 1. (Astron.)

Defn: Apparently moving backward, and contrary to the succession of the signs, that is, from east to west, as a planet. Hutton. And if he be in the west side in that condition, then is he retrograde. Chaucer.

2. Tending or moving backward; having a backward course; contrary; as, a retrograde motion; -- opposed to Ant: progressive. "Progressive and not retrograde." Bacon. It is most retrograde to our desire. Shak.

3. Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. Bacon.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Re"tro*grade
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [L. retrogradare, retrogradi: cf. F. r?trograder.]
Definition : 1. To go in a retrograde direction; to move, or appear to move, backward, as a planet.

2. Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as in morals or intelligence.

i. [imp. & p. p. Retrograded; p. pr. & vb. n. Retrograding.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913