retro-









retro-


  1. a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin meaning “backward” (retrogress); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (retrorocket).

prefix

  1. back or backwardsretroactive
  2. located behindretrolental

word-forming element meaning “backwards; behind,” from Latin retro (prep.) “backward, back, behind,” also of time, “formerly, in past times,” probably originally the ablative form of *reteros, based on re- “back” (see re-).

L. retro stands to re- as intro, “in, within”; to in, “in,” and as citro, “hither,” stands to cis, “on this side.” [Klein]

Common in combinations in post-classical Latin (the classical equivalent was post-). Active in English as a word-forming element from mid-20c.

pref.

  1. Backward; back:retroposition.
  2. Situated behind:retroperitoneum.
49 queries 0.358