noun
cosmonaut
KAHZ-muh-nawt/ˈkɑːzmənɔːt/
A space traveler trained in the Russian or Soviet space program.
The cosmonaut floats inside the spacecraft, looking toward Earth through a window.
Etymology
The pieces describe a “sailor of the universe,” extending the image of navigation to space travel. English uses this term specifically for a Russian or Soviet astronaut.
In context
when the news emerged that Apollo 8 had made its lunar orbit the reality of the moment struck Cosmonaut Alexei leonov who was training to command a Soviet circum lunar mission
More examples
- Two cosmonauts work outside the space station.
- Yuri Gagarin was the first cosmonaut to reach space.
- The students ask the retired cosmonaut about life in orbit.
Forms
cosmonaut · cosmonauts
Similar words
- astronaut
- A broader term, not limited to Russian or Soviet training.