astrionics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / Highly TechnicalTechnical/Scientific Jargon
Quick answer
What does “astrionics” mean?
The branch of electronics applied to astronautics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The branch of electronics applied to astronautics; the electronics of spacecraft systems and celestial navigation.
The science, technology, and engineering of electronic systems designed for the extreme environments of space, including guidance, communication, instrumentation, and control systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is a technical term used internationally in the aerospace sector.
Connotations
Neutral technical term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to highly specialised aerospace publications and professional discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “astrionics” in a Sentence
The [noun] requires sophisticated astrionics.A failure in the [spacecraft's] astrionics caused the problem.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “astrionics” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The astrionics component failed during testing.
- Astrionics reliability is paramount.
American English
- The astrionics component failed during testing.
- Astrionics reliability is paramount.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised aerospace engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in spacecraft design, testing, and troubleshooting documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “astrionics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “astrionics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “astrionics”
- Misspelling as 'astrionix' or 'astrionics'.
- Confusing with 'astronics' (a rare, related term) or 'avionics'.
- Using in non-aerospace contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, highly technical term used almost exclusively in aerospace engineering and related fields.
Avionics refers to the electronics used in aircraft. Astrionics is a subset or related field specifically for spacecraft and systems operating in the space environment.
It would be highly unusual and likely confusing unless you were speaking with aerospace engineers or space enthusiasts about very technical subjects.
It functions primarily as a noun (e.g., 'the astrionics failed'), but can also be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'astrionics system').
The branch of electronics applied to astronautics.
Astrionics is usually technical/scientific jargon in register.
Astrionics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæstriˈɒnɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæstriˈɑnɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ASTRonautics + electrONICS = ASTRIONICS, the electronics for stars (astra).
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACECRAFT IS A COMPUTER (where astrionics is its nervous system/brain).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'astrionics' primarily used?