Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

taikonaut

Noun

/taɪˈkoʊ.nɔt/

Definition

A Chinese astronaut, specifically one trained for space missions.

Examples

Yang Liwei is the first taikonaut to have flown into space.
Many taikonauts undergo rigorous training to prepare for their missions.
The recent mission included three taikonauts aboard the Shenzhou spacecraft.

Meaning

The term is derived from the Chinese word ‘taikong’, meaning ‘space’, combined with ‘naut’, which comes from the Greek word ‘nautes’, meaning ‘sailor’. Thus, a taikonaut is essentially a sailor of space, referring to individuals who are part of China’s space program and travel to outer space.