micrometeorite

noun

mi·​cro·​me·​te·​or·​ite ˌmī-krō-ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce micrometeorite (audio)
1
: a meteorite so small that it can pass through the earth's atmosphere without becoming intensely heated
2
: a very small particle in interplanetary space
micrometeoritic
ˌmī-krō-ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈri-tik How to pronounce micrometeorite (audio)
adjective

Examples of micrometeorite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The impact excavated pristine materials from below the lunar surface that have escaped weathering from the solar wind, galactic cosmic rays, and micrometeorites. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 Darker smears around the crater’s rim contain surface rocks and lunar dust called regolith previously altered by solar winds, micrometeorites, and cosmic radiation over an extended period of time. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026 Scientists have long known that the moon’s surface is altered by both micrometeorite impacts and solar wind. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026 But don’t forget about those pesky micrometeorites—pebble-size rocks that move like hypersonic bullets. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for micrometeorite

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of micrometeorite was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

micromesentery
micrometeorite
micrometeoroid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Micrometeorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/micrometeorite. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

micrometeorite

noun
mi·​cro·​me·​te·​or·​ite ˌmī-krō-ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce micrometeorite (audio)
: a very small particle in space

More from Merriam-Webster on micrometeorite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about micrometeorite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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