lunar excursion module
1
8.6
- noun
- /ˈluːnər ɪkˈskɜːrʒən ˈmɒdjuːl/
- Specialized
:
módulo de excursión lunar
- The lunar excursion module was crucial for transporting astronauts to the moon's surface.
Examples
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Neil Armstrong made history when he emerged from the lunar excursion module onto the moon.
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The second spacecraft, the Lunar Excursion Module, or LEM, would land on the moon.
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Well, folks, let's head on down to the lunar excursion module.
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The second spacecraft, the Lunar Excursion Module, or LEM, would land on the moon.
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As the lunar excursion module descended, the excitement among the crew increased.
Synonyms
41
7.9
A machine that lands on the surface of the moon or another planet
10
8.7
A small spacecraft that carries astronauts between the moon and the main ship
8
4.9
A small spacecraft that carries astronauts from orbit down to the moon's surface and back
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from the parts: 'lunar' (relating to the Moon) + 'excursion' (a trip) + 'module' (a detachable spacecraft compartment), so a B1 learner who knows these words can infer a spacecraft for trips to the Moon. While 'excursion' often suggests a short or leisure trip, its combination with 'lunar' and 'module' produces a clear technical sense that is compositionally transparent.
Etymology
Lunar excursion module literally says what it does: lunar means 'moon', excursion means a short 'trip', and module is a separate 'part' of a spacecraft. So, the term refers to the small craft that takes astronauts from the command module down to the moon's surface and back.