sputniks

Noun

sputnik (plural sputniks)

1. (historical) Any of a series of Soviet robotic space satellites, especially the first one in 1957.
   • Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we would beat them to the moon. The science wasn't even there yet. NASA didn't exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didn't just surpass the Soviets...2011 January 5, Barack Obama; Jon Favreau, speechwriter, “Remarks by the President in State of Union Address”, in White House Office of the Press Secretary, WhiteHouse.gov, archived from the original...
2. (dated) Any artificial satellite.
   • BEFORE school rocketed into his tiny world with about as much warning as a sputnik, my son knew only little hates.1957 November 14, Sputnik [pseudonym], “My Son Hates School”, in Daily Record, number 19,357, Glasgow: Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 2, column 2
3. (slang) The currency sign ¤.

See all 5 meanings of sputnik