ScienceAugust 12, 2026

spacesuit

SPAYS-soot

Definition

A pressurized garment designed to protect an astronaut from the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures, and lack of oxygen.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the noun 'space,' from the Latin 'spatium' meaning room or interval, and 'suit,' from the Old French 'suite' meaning a retinue or set of items.

In the news

The article mentions the spacesuit as a critical piece of equipment used by Mike Fincke during his three decades of experience across multiple spacecraft missions. It represents the specialized gear necessary for human activity outside of a protective vehicle.

Mike Fincke, a 30-year astronaut with experience across four spacecraft, retires from NASA

Read the full article ↗

Spaceflight Now

Related words

biospecimen

A biological sample, such as blood, tissue, or cells, collected from a human participant…

Science

decrypting

The process of converting encrypted data back into its original, readable form using a…

Science

exfoliating

The act of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, often through the use…

Science

fibrotic

Relating to or characterized by the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue,…

Science

slather

To spread or apply something, typically a lotion, cream, or ointment, thickly or in large…

Science

strictures

Abnormal narrowings in a passage of the body, such as the intestine, typically caused by…

Science

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.