I. əˈ- adverb
Etymology: a- (I) + stern (n.)
1. : behind a ship or aircraft : in the rear
we were sailing due east and the setting sun was now directly astern
astern , the sea gulls wheeled and dipped
2. : at or toward the stern of a ship or aircraft
it ended astern in a clumsy-looking bulge that was closed by a pair of huge clamshell doors — W.F.Jenkins
he paused astern , gazing over the rail at the wake of the ship
3. : stern foremost : to the rear : backward
rang full astern on the telegraph
maneuvers that involve going astern should never be taken until the dinghy line is shortened — W.P.Moore
II. adjective
1. : placed or situated astern
2. : directing astern : signaling motion astern