meteor

noun

me·​te·​or ˈmē-tē-ər 

-ˌȯr

1

: an atmospheric phenomenon (such as lightning or a snowfall)

2

a

: any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere

b

: the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor

Examples of meteor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Leonid meteor shower is famous for producing one of the greatest meteor storms in living history. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024

Conor is a regular contributor to Discover Magazine, with his work also appearing in New Scientist, Nautilus Magazine, Live Science, and New Humanist among others. asteroids meteors space exploration 1 free article left Want More? —Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Until recently astronomers were helpless in getting any sort of advance warning on these smaller meteors streaking through Earth's atmosphere. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

And later in October, the supermoon known as hunter’s moon will interfere less with meteor viewing. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English metheour, from Middle French meteore, from Medieval Latin meteorum, from Greek meteōron, from neuter of meteōros high in air, from meta- + -eōros, from aeirein to lift

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing meteor

• meteor shower

Kids Definition

meteor

noun

me·​te·​or ˈmēt-ē-ər 

-ē-ˌȯ(ə)r

: one of the small bodies of matter in the solar system observable when it falls into the earth's atmosphere where the heat of friction may cause it to glow brightly for a short time

also : the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor