noun

cosmodrome

KOZ-muh-drohm

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Cosmodrome (noun) means a facility used to launch spacecraft, especially one of the Soviet-built or Russian-built sites. Example: “The rocket lifted off from the cosmodrome just after dawn.”

noun

A facility used to launch spacecraft, especially one of the Soviet-built or Russian-built sites.

"The rocket lifted off from the cosmodrome just after dawn."

"Baikonur is the best known of the old Soviet cosmodromes."

"Engineers spent months preparing the cosmodrome for the crewed launch."

How to use cosmodrome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big site built specifically for launching rockets into space.

When to use it

It is a specialist term met mainly in space and aviation contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Picture 'aerodrome' for aircraft and 'cosmodrome' for spacecraft, since the second word was built to match the first.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aerodrome →

Common pairings

launch from a cosmodrome cosmodrome site Russian cosmodrome

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “cosmodrome” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The rocket lifted off from the _____ just after dawn.

Etymology

The word combines the prefix cosmo-, relating to the universe, with the ending -drome, meaning a place for a particular activity. It was formed on the pattern of aerodrome.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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spaceport

Related words

spaceport

Rhymes for cosmodrome

ome some come home Rome nome tome dome gnome genome become income

See all rhymes for cosmodrome →

Frequently asked questions

What is a cosmodrome?

It is a site built for launching spacecraft, complete with launch pads and support facilities.

Is cosmodrome the same as spaceport?

Yes, the two words are synonyms, though cosmodrome is most often used for Soviet or Russian sites such as Baikonur and Plesetsk.

Why is Baikonur called a cosmodrome rather than a spaceport?

It follows the Russian naming tradition for such facilities, and the English word cosmodrome was formed to match that usage.

What is the meaning of cosmodrome?

"cosmodrome" (noun) means a facility used to launch spacecraft, especially one of the Soviet-built or Russian-built sites.

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