SUBORBITAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does suborbital mean? 

• SUBORBITAL (adjective)
  The adjective SUBORBITAL has 2 senses:

1. having or involving a trajectory of less than one orbit

2. situated on or below the floor of the eye socket

  Familiarity information: SUBORBITAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUBORBITAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having or involving a trajectory of less than one orbit

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

the first manned suborbital flight

Pertainym:

orbit (the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Situated on or below the floor of the eye socket

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

subocular; suborbital

Context example:

a suborbital bone

Pertainym:

orbit (the bony cavity in the skull containing the eyeball)

 Context examples 

After reaching a suborbital altitude, the plane would launch an expendable upper stage that would be able to push a satellite into orbit.

(Hypersonic Space Plane May Soon Be a Reality, VOA)