noun

cosmonaut

cosmonaut

Yuri Gagarin was the first cosmonaut in space.

Yuri Gagarin was the first cosmonaut in space.

((a cosmonaut)) a Russian astronaut The cosmonaut floated in zero gravity.

Synonyms: astronaut, spaceman (note: 'cosmonaut' specifically refers to a Russian astronaut).

From Greek 'kosmos' (universe) + 'nautes' (sailor). A 'universe sailor'.

Think 'cosmos' + 'naut' (like nautical). A sailor of the cosmos. Used for Russian astronauts, while 'astronaut' is used for American ones.

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