ret·ro·grade
ˈre-trə-ˌgrād 
1
a(1)
: having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars
Saturn is retrograde for another week
(2)
: having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet
a retrograde orbit
b
: moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction
c
: occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow: such as
(1)
: occurring along nerve cell processes toward the cell body
retrograde degeneration of nerve fibers
compare anterograde sense 1a
(2)
: occurring opposite to the normal direction or path of blood circulation
retrograde blood flow in veins with incompetent valves
compare anterograde sense 1b
d
: contrary to the normal order : inverse
2
: tending toward or resulting in a worse or previous state
3
archaic
: contradictory, opposed
4
: characterized by retrogression
5
: affecting memories of a period prior to a precipitating event (such as brain injury or disease)
retrograde amnesia
compare anterograde sense 2
6
: retro
retrograde fashion
retrogradely
adverb
retrograded; retrograding; retrogrades
archaic
: to turn back : reverse
1
a
: to go back : retreat
b
: to go back over or recapitulate something
2
: to decline to a worse condition
Did you know?
Retrograde describes backwardness of one kind or another. If a country decided to go back to amputating the limbs of criminals, we might call that policy retrograde. A retrograde view of women might be one that sees them basically as housekeepers. Mars and Jupiter show retrograde (backward) motion at some stages of their orbits, though this is only because of the way we see them from the earth, not because of any real backward movement.
Synonyms
Examples of retrograde in a Sentence
Adjective
a retrograde policy that would leave more people poorer than they are now
retrograde pedaling will engage the brakes on that bike
Verb
the Dark Ages, the period following the fall of the Roman Empire when Western civilization seriously retrograded
Recent Examples on the Web
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Mars is slowing to a standstill by the end of November, and Mercury is too—meaning both of these planets, which are associated with planning, strategy, and execution, are about to be retrograde.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
From eclipse season to retrograde transits that put things into perspective, your biggest challenge in September revolves around re-evaluating your path and learning how to embrace the changes ahead.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retrograde 
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Adjective
Saturn is currently retrograde, which calls for reflection and reassessment, particularly our responsibilities and commitments.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Mars is slowing to a standstill by the end of November, and Mercury is too—meaning both of these planets, which are associated with planning, strategy, and execution, are about to be retrograde.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
Warning: the messenger planet will station retrograde on Nov. 25, inviting us to reflect, recalibrate and revisit our ideas and belief systems.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
From eclipse season to retrograde transits that put things into perspective, your biggest challenge in September revolves around re-evaluating your path and learning how to embrace the changes ahead.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retrograde
Dictionary Entries Near retrograde
Cite this Entry
“Retrograde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrograde. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
retrograde
adjective
ret·ro·grade
ˈre-trə-ˌgrād
1
: characterized by retrogression
2
: affecting memories of a period prior to a precipitating event (as brain injury or disease)
In retrograde amnesia, the victim can remember only what has happened since he lost his memory; everything before that is irretrievable.—Jean Seligmann, Newsweek
compare anterograde sense 1
Jean Seligmann, Newsweek3
: occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow: as
a
: occurring along nerve cell processes toward the cell body
retrograde axonal transport
retrograde degeneration of nerve fibers
b
: occurring opposite to the normal direction or path of blood circulation
apply bandaging to the lower extremities to produce pressure to reduce retrograde blood flow in veins with incompetent valves
compare anterograde sense 2
retrogradely
adverb
The ablation catheter was then inserted through the right femoral arterial sheath and advanced retrogradely into the left ventricle.
—Warren M. Jackman, The New England Journal of Medicine
Warren M. Jackman, The New England Journal of Medicine
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