Micrometeorite (Noun)
Meaning
A meteorite or meteoroid so small that it drifts down to earth without becoming intensely heated in the atmosphere.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The space station's hull was pockmarked with tiny dents caused by micrometeorites that had drifted into its path.
- Micrometeorites often contain valuable information about the early formation of the solar system, which scientists study in labs.
- Despite its fragile appearance, the satellite's new coating was designed to withstand the constant barrage of micrometeorites in Earth's orbit.
- After a few years in space, the astronauts returned with samples of micrometeorites they had collected from the exterior of the spacecraft.
- The tiny fragments that made up the micrometeorites were unlike anything else found on Earth, sparking the interest of geologists worldwide.