ejecta

noun

ejec·​ta i-ˈjek-tə How to pronounce ejecta (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: material thrown out (as from a volcano)

Examples of ejecta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So, the equal and opposite reaction to the ejecta would be a slowing down of the asteroid's orbit, which would be added to the effect of DART's impact. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2023 When the jet operates in low mode, some leftovers from the high mode ejecta can be observed above its usual visible light and X-ray emissions. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 Oct. 2023 Scientists are starting by studying the ejecta, boulders, and numerous smaller bits the strike cast off. Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2023 Boulders and smaller ejecta would have to be knocked out of the way, along with the rest of the asteroid, in order to spare the planet. Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2023 Cassini's Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer made the observation of molecular hydrogen in the ejecta from these geysers. John Wenz, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2017 Chabot and her colleagues published a study in Nature earlier this year, also using Hubble photos, imaging the ejecta. Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2023 One problem is that the ejecta from lunar landings and launches could envelop the moon in a cloud of high-velocity dust particles that threaten other lunar missions. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2023 That can send ejecta into orbit at an angle that is only 2 or 3 degrees from a surface horizontal. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ejecta.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of ejectus

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ejecta was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near ejecta

Cite this Entry

“Ejecta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ejecta. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ejecta

noun
ejec·​ta i-ˈjek-tə How to pronounce ejecta (audio)
: matter (as vomit) ejected from the body
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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