Astern (adverb)

1. Toward the stern of a ship or boat.
2. In the direction behind a vessel or aircraft.

Origin:

From the word "stern" meaning the back of a ship or boat and it is a nautical term that is used to indicate the direction behind a vessel.

Examples:

1. The captain ordered the crew to drop anchor astern.
2. The ship's lights could be seen astern as it sailed away.
3. He was thrown from the boat and was swimming astern.
4. The wind was blowing astern, making the sailboat difficult to control.
5. The ship's wake was visible astern as it left the port.