# astern

> English word · Adverb · IPA /əˈstɝn/ · frequency rank #51,548

## Definitions
1. Behind (a vessel); in the rear.
2. In the direction of the stern; backward (motion); to the rear.
3. At or toward the rear of a vessel.

## Etymology
From a- (“towards”) + stern (“rear part of a vessel”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/astern