Definition of meteor
1 : an atmospheric phenomenon (such as lightning or a snowfall)
2a : 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 atmosphereb : the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor
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Recent Examples of meteor from the Web
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In a press release, NASA notes that the planet’s bumpy surface can be spotted—proof of the craters and lumps the moon picked up as it was pummeled again and again by meteors and other objects.
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Perhaps life could evolve in a comet, or survive inside a rock catapulted into orbit by a planetary meteor strike.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'meteor'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of meteor
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
METEOR Defined for English Language Learners
meteor
playDefinition of meteor for English Language Learners
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: a piece of rock or metal that burns and glows brightly in the sky as it falls from outer space into the Earth's atmosphere
METEOR Defined for Kids
meteor
playDefinition of meteor for Students
: one of the small pieces of matter in the solar system that enter the earth's atmosphere where friction may cause them to glow and form a streak of light
Learn More about meteor
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Spanish Central: Translation of meteor Nglish: Translation of meteor for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of meteor for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meteor
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