Agency Dictionary

Spacesuit

noun

Technology & AI

What does “Spacesuit” mean?

A pressurized protective garment worn by astronauts to survive the harsh vacuum, extreme temperatures, and radiation of outer space. It incorporates life support, thermal insulation, and communications equipment.

Etymology

Compound of space (from Latin spatium, extent, room, space) and suit (from Old French suite, a following, retinue, later a matching set of garments). The combination names the specialized pressurized garment that allows astronauts to survive the vacuum and extreme temperatures of outer space.

Usage note

Spacesuit covers both the full pressure suit used for extravehicular activities and the lighter suit worn inside the spacecraft during launch and re-entry.

Synonyms

pressure suit

Word family

space
spaceship
spacetime

Rhymes with

boot
root
fruit
flute

Usage examples

she finds a button in her spacesuit right at the bottom of her neck
Design.2 - Demystifying UX/UI Design Pt.1
Fairly because nobody is really wearing a spacesuit nowadays, but there are digital devices all around us.

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Design.2 - Demystifying UX/UI Design Pt.1June 8, 2023Read the edition

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Also from these editions: terms

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