retrogression
(riːtrəʊ-, rɛtrəʊˈgrɛʃən)
[ad. L. type *retrōgressio, f. ppl. stem of retrōgradī: cf. prec. and progression, etc. So F. rétrogression.]
1. Astr. = retrogradation 1.
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 288 Thus we see the account established upon the arise or descent of the starres can be no reasonable rule unto distant Nations at all, and by reason of their retrogression but temporary unto any one. 1794 G. Adams Nat. & Exp. Philos. III. xxiv. 46 Sufficient to account for..the retrogression of the equinoctial points. 1869 Dunkin Midn. Sky 141 These four stars no longer hold these prominent offices, as the equinoxes and solstices are now in very different parts of the heavens, on account of their retrogression. 1873 Proctor Exp. Heaven 94 His [Saturn's] slow advance alternating with yet slower retrogressions. |
2. Movement in a backward or reverse direction. In early use
Math.| 1704 Hayes Treat. Fluxions vi. 153 The use of Fluxions in Investigating the Points of contrary Flexion and Retrogression of Curves. 1727–38 Chambers Cycl. s.v. Retrogradation, The retrogression of curves may be thus conceived. 1753 ― Cycl. Suppl., Point of reflexion, in geometry, is commonly used instead of point of retrogradation, or retrogression. |
| 1857 Wood Com. Obj. Sea Shore 121, I should rather have said, that the tail was the organ of retrogression. 1861 G. M. Musgrave By-Roads France 296 What at first was mere retrogression..became eventually a rapid flight. |
b. Mus. Retrograde imitation. (
Cf. retrograde a. 4 c.)
| 1869 Ouseley Counterp. xvii. 148 Counterpoints also may be devised by contrary motion, or by augmentation or diminution, or by retrogression. |
3. The action or fact of going back in respect of development or condition; return to a less advanced state or stage; a case or instance of this.
| 1768–74 Tucker Lt. Nat. (1834) II. 674 Concurring by slow and imperceptible degrees, and sometimes with temporary retrogressions, to advance the grand design. 1800 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. VIII. 597 Retrogression they prefer to any untried innovation. 1840 Macaulay Ranke's Hist. Ess. (1851) II. 145 We find at best a very slow progress and on the whole a retrogression. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) V. 190 There are many traces of advance as well as retrogression in the Laws of Plato. |
b. Path. The disappearance of an eruption.
| 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VIII. 478 In the course of retrogression they become pale, polished, angular in outline. |
Hence
retroˈgressional a., of a retrograde character.
| 1889 Pop. Sci. Monthly May 23 Some of these [manipulations], from a technical point of view, seem retrogressional. |