Words Starting With "R"

Our pre-recorded sounds are fast, clear, and natural, spoken by native speakers.

Retrognathia

speak

Retrognathia refers to a rare congenital condition where the lower jaw (mandible) is significantly positioned behind the upper jaw (maxilla), literally meaning a "backward jaw" or "retrognathic jaw". This can lead to difficulties with chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as self-esteem issues due to altered facial appearance.

Retrognathic

speak

Retrognathia is a rare congenital anomaly where the lower jaw is set back relative to the upper jaw, or the lower jaw is underdeveloped and smaller than the upper jaw.

Retrogradable

speak

Capable of being reversed or made to run backward.

Retrogradation

speak

The word "retrogradation" refers to the process of falling back or receding in position, progress, or course. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including:<br><br>1. Geology: In geology, retrogradation refers to the movement of sedimentary rocks at an angle or in the opposite direction to their original deposition, often due to tectonic forces or other geological processes.<br>2. Linguistics: In linguistics, retrogradation refers to the gradual loss of features of a language, often as a result of language contact or language change.<br>3. Chemistry: In chemistry, retrogradation is a reverse process of crystallization, where a solution becomes cloudy or precipitates as solubility increases<br>4. Baking: In baking, retrogradation is the process of bread staling, or becoming dry and crumbly, often due to absorption of moisture from the air.<br><br>In general, retrogradation implies a reverse or backward process, where something moves or changes direction, often in response to external factors.

Retrograde

speak

<strong>Retrograde</strong> (adjective)<br><br>In a manner or direction considered as contrary to what is normal or beforehand; backward, opposite in course or motion; moving or proceeding backward.<br><br>Example: "The retrograde motion of the planets was a crucial observation that led to a major breakthrough in astronomy."

Retrogradely

speak

In a direction or manner that is opposite to the normal or expected direction; in reverse order or direction; backward.<br><br>Example: "She walked retrogradely up the stairs, almost to the top, before remembering to take the elevator."

Retrogrades

speak

Retrograde refers to a movement or movement that appears to be in reverse, particularly in astronomy or astrology.<br><br>In astronomy, retrograde motion is the apparent backward motion of a planet or other celestial body in the sky, due to the Earth passing the object at a point in its orbit.<br><br>In astrology, a retrograde planet is a planet that appears to be moving backwards in the sky, which is often seen as a sign that the planet's influence is weakened or in a state of review or revision.<br><br>In a broader sense, the word "retrograde" can also refer to a return to a previous state or condition, often with a connotation of looking back or revisiting the past.

Retrograding

speak

Moving backwards or deteriorating gradually.<br><br>Example: The company's financials appeared to be retrograding, with declining profits over the past few quarters.

Retrogress

speak

To move backward or make something move backward; to return to a less developed or less advanced state.

Retrogression

speak

Retrogression refers to a movement or process of going backward or degenerating from a higher or more developed state to a lower or more primitive state. It can also refer to a decline or setback in progress, development, or advancement.

Retrogressive

speak

Moving backwards in development or progress; reversing a process or a trend.<br><br>Example: "The country's economy suffered a retrogressive trend due to the recent economic downturn."

Retrogressively

speak

Relating to or going backward in time; moving in the opposite direction of progress or development.

Retroinfection

speak

Retroinfection is a term used in biology and medicine to describe the reappearance of an infectious agent in a population after a period of apparent eradication. This can occur when the original pathogen is no longer present in the population, but a different retrovirus, bacteriophage, or other infectious agent contains a similar genetic trait or sequence from the original pathogen.

Retrolental

speak

Relating to or affecting the part of the eye behind the lens, specifically the vitreous or retina.

Retrolisthesis

speak

A retrolisthesis is a type of spinal injury where one vertebra in the spine moves backward relative to the vertebra below it. This can cause pressure on the nerves and surrounding spinal structures, leading to pain, numbness, and limited mobility.

Retromammary

speak

Retromammary refers to the area or space located behind the mammary gland, specifically behind the breast tissue. It is often used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe the location of certain structures or pathologies, such as a retromammary abscess (an abscess located behind the breast tissue).

Retromandibular

speak

Relating to or situated behind the mandible (jawbone).

Retromingent

speak

Relating to or forming the trailing, or posterior, part of an organ, such as the eye, kidney, or ureter.

Retromolar

speak

Adjective: Relating to or located near thetak, the part at the back of the mouth where the jawbone and the tongue meet.<br><br>Example: Retromolar abscess - an abscess that forms in the gum or bone tissue in this area.<br><br>In medical contexts, the term "retromolar" is often used to describe anatomical structures or conditions in the area of tissue behind the back molars.

Retromorphosis

speak

Retromorphosis refers to the process or phenomenon of returning to an earlier or ancestral form, often used in various fields such as biology, philosophy, or fantasy. It describes the transformation of an organism, idea, or concept into a previous state or morphology, often without directly reverting to the original.

Retronasal

speak

"Retronasal" refers to the reverse passage of scents or aromas from the back of the throat to the nasal cavity.

Retronasally

speak

Retro-nasally refers to a way of pronouncing a word or sound, in which the air passes through the nose after being obstructed by the tongue or other parts of the mouth. This type of articulation is used in some languages, including Spanish and French.<br><br>In English, retronasal perception and sensation is also notable for describing how certain flavors and fragrances are perceived when we eat or drink and breathe through the nose.

Retronym

speak

A retronym is a noun or adjective that refers to a thing or concept that has been made redundant by the emergence of a new term or technology that has replaced the original. It is a term that was originally descriptive and unique, but has become less relevant over time due to a change in the way things are described.<br><br>For example:<br><br>- Wireless phone (describes a phone that doesn't use wires, but was the norm before wireless phones were common)<br>- Acoustic guitar (describes a guitar that makes sound without electricity, as opposed to electric guitars)<br>- Corded phone (again, describes a phone that has a cord, now that wireless phones are common)

Retroorbital

speak

Behind the eye or orbit.

Retropatellar

speak

The term "retropatellar" refers to the back or posterior aspect of the patella (kneecap), in relation to the knee joint. Specifically, it describes something that is situated or directed towards the back of the kneecap.

Retroperitoneal

speak

Located or situated behind the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. In anatomy, "retroperitoneal" refers to structures, spaces, or diseases that are positioned behind this membrane.

Retroperitoneally

speak

Behind the peritoneum. <br><br>In anatomy, retroperitoneal refers to a location or a structure that is behind the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds many organs.

Retroperitoneum

speak

A region of the abdominal cavity that lies behind the peritoneum, a layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. The retroperitoneum contains organs such as the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and abdominal aorta, which are either retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum) or partially intraperitoneal (behind the peritoneum but with a portion exposed to the peritoneum).

Retropharyngeal

speak

The term "retropharyngeal" refers to the tissues and spaces behind the pharynx or throat. It can also be used to describe something that is located in a retropharyngeal space or area. <br><br>The term "retro" suggests something that is positioned behind or in the rear of something, and "pharyngeal" refers to the pharynx or throat. Therefore, the term "retropharyngeal" generally implies a relationship or location posterior (behind) to the pharynx.<br><br>In medical contexts, the retropharyngeal space is an important area that can be involved in various conditions, including infections, abscesses, and other pathologies. It is a region in the neck that lies between the cervical vertebrae and the pharynx, and extends from the base of the skull down to the thoracic vertebrae. <br><br>Overall, the term "retropharyngeal" is commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe the relationship or location of a particular structure in the retropharyngeal space or area.

Retrophilia

speak

Retrophilia refers to a strong enthusiasm or admiration for things from the past, particularly in the context of technology, design, architecture, or culture. Retrophilia can manifest in various ways, such as a love for vintage clothing, antique artifacts, old movies, or retro video games. People with retrophilia often romanticize the past and express a desire to revive or recreate the nostalgia associated with it.

Retropubic

speak

Located behind or below the pubis (the front of the pelvis)

Retropulsion

speak

Retropulsion is the force or motion that propels something backwards. It is the opposite of propulsion, which pushes something forward. In physics, retropulsion is often seen in the movement of a body that opposes or redirects its motion, resulting in a motion in the opposite direction. For example, when a boat pushes off a dock with its stern, it creates a force that drives it backward due to its propeller or other moving parts. Retropulsion can also be used in various fields, such as aerospace, without propulsion systems or when recovering from an unexpected deflection in a trajectory.

Retropulsive

speak

"Retropulsive" is a word that refers to a combination of two Latin words: "retro," meaning "backward" or "opposite of," and "pulsive," derived from "impulsus," meaning "thrust" or "urge."<br><br>Some linguists break down "retropulsive" into two possible meanings:<br><br>1. <strong>Retropulsive force</strong>: In physics and engineering, "retropulsive" can refer to a force or action that tends to move in the opposite direction of an expected or desired motion. This can be seen in situations where a mechanism or system is designed to counteract a force or movement, such as a retropulsing sleeve used in aviation to counteract a sudden backwards motion.<br>2. <strong>Psychological connotation</strong>: In a more figurative sense, "retropulsive" might describe an inner urge or force that brings about regression, backward movement, or a movement away from something. For instance, someone might say they experienced a retropulsive sensation when they had to revisit a past trauma or something they had previously tried to dismiss or suppress.<br><br>Keep in mind that "retropulsive" is not recognized in all dictionaries and might be considered an unusual or technical term.

Retrorse

speak

Directed or positioned toward the back or inward.

Retrosexual

speak

Retrosexual refers to a person, particularly a man, who combines traditional masculine traits with nostalgic or retro elements, often embracing a bygone era or a particular period in history. The term is similar to metrosexual, but with a more retro inclination. It describes someone who embodies a traditional sense of masculinity, typically from the past, often with a twist of kitsch or vintage flair. This can include adopting styles, mannerisms, or interests from the 1950s to the 1980s, such as classic or vintage clothing, vintage grooming habits (e.g., beards, sideburns), or a fondness for classic cars or movies.

Retrosigmoid

speak

Describing something that follows a curved shape or direction from the back to the front, originating from the surname "Sigmoid" with prefix "re-","reta-," or "retro-" added to the beginning. The suffix "-oid" is also added to form the word.