spacesuit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency; technical domain-specific.Formal; technical.
Quick answer
What does “spacesuit” mean?
A sealed and pressurized garment worn by astronauts to provide life support and protection in the vacuum and extreme conditions of outer space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sealed and pressurized garment worn by astronauts to provide life support and protection in the vacuum and extreme conditions of outer space.
By extension, can refer to any protective or highly specialized full-body suit designed for extreme environments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is identical and standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes human space exploration, technology, and survival in a hostile environment.
Frequency
Frequency is tied to discourse about spaceflight; equally rare in general use in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “spacesuit” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a/the + spacesuit: wear, don, remove, test, designVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spacesuit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers will spacesuit-test the new composite materials.
American English
- The lab is working to spacesuit-enable the new cooling technology.
adverb
British English
- The hatch was opened spacesuit-first.
American English
- He moved spacesuit-cautiously across the module.
adjective
British English
- They reviewed the spacesuit design specifications.
American English
- The spacesuit glove interface was malfunctioning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in aerospace industry contracts and procurement: 'The tender is for the next-generation spacesuit.'
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and space science papers discussing life support systems.
Everyday
Used in news reports or casual discussions about space missions: 'The astronaut put on her spacesuit.'
Technical
Core term in astronautics and space systems engineering, specifying types (e.g., IVA vs. EVA suits).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spacesuit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spacesuit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spacesuit”
- Misspelling as two words ('space suit' is also accepted, but 'spacesuit' is standard).
- Using it to refer to a flight jacket or regular pilot uniform.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'space suit' is a common variant, but most technical and dictionary sources list 'spacesuit' as the standard closed form.
Yes, the term applies to any suit designed for the environment outside a spacecraft or habitat, including on the Moon or Mars.
An IVA (Intravehicular Activity) suit is for use inside a spacecraft, often lighter. An EVA (Extravehicular Activity) suit is for outside work, providing full life support and protection.
No, it is a complex machine. It includes systems for oxygen, temperature control, communication, pressure maintenance, and waste management.
A sealed and pressurized garment worn by astronauts to provide life support and protection in the vacuum and extreme conditions of outer space.
Spacesuit is usually formal; technical. in register.
Spacesuit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs.suːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs.suːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Figurative use: 'He felt like he was in a spacesuit,' meaning isolated or protected from the environment.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUIT for SPACE. It's a suit you wear to survive in space.
Conceptual Metaphor
A spacesuit is a PORTABLE ATMOSPHERE / A PERSONAL SPACESHIP.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a spacesuit?