adverb
astern
uh-STURN
adverb
1
Behind a ship or boat, or moving backward.
"The tugboat fell astern as the liner picked up speed."
"The captain ordered "full astern" to slow the ship."
How to Use Astern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nautical term meaning behind a vessel, or moving backward.
When to use it
Mainly used in nautical and maritime contexts.
Word Forms
more astern comparative, most astern superlative
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The tugboat fell _____ as the liner picked up speed.
Etymology
From "a-" (meaning "toward") plus "stern," the rear part of a ship.