retrogradation

Apparent backward motion

Retrogradation is backward movement or decline—the opposite of progress.

In astronomy, it describes the apparent backward motion of a planet against the stars, an optical effect caused by Earth's orbit.

The term applies to any reversal or return to an earlier, often worse, state: the retrogradation of democratic institutions.

In geology, it describes a shoreline retreating landward.

astronomy

apparent

Clearly seen or understood

westwardToward the sunset
planetsStar-orbiting celestial bodies
MercuryMessenger god or planet

Venus · Mars · Jupiter · Saturn · opposition · prograde · direct · orbit · epicycle · synodic

geology

starch

Complex plant carbohydrate

gelatinizationStarch swelling in liquid
crystallizationForming ordered solid structure
stalingGradual freshness loss

amylose · cooling · firming · bread · recrystallization · gel · viscosity · aging · moisture · texture

regression

decline

Decrease or refuse

deteriorationProcess of declining quality
degenerationProgressive loss of function
decayGradual organic breakdown

relapse · backslide · reversion · degradation · devolution · worsening · setback · reversal · undoing · rollback

Categories

Food Sciencefood science, enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, pH
grain sciencestarch, gluten, bran, endosperm, germ
starchstarch, corn starch, cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch
stratigraphystrata, rock layers, formations, beds, layers
gelling processesgelling, setting, congealing, thickening, firming

Opposites

directional movement

retrogradationprogression

Sequential forward movement

advancement · forward motion · progress · advance · development

astronomical motion

retrogradationprograde

Same direction as primary

Family

retrograde, retrogress, retrogression, retrogressive, retrogrades, retrograded, retrograding

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G