# retro-engineer

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To reverse-engineer; to analyze (an existing item) in order to determine how to replicate it.
2. To develop (a process) by starting with the goal and working backwards to determine the steps needed to achieve it.
3. To revise or adapt (an existing item or process) in order to achieve a new purpose.

## Etymology
From retro- + engineer.

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