meteorite

noun

me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth without being completely vaporized
meteoritic adjective
or less commonly meteoritical

Examples of meteorite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Earth’s earliest forms of calcite, for example, developed through the watery alteration of meteorites; microbes then began to build other calcite structures 2.5 billion years ago, whereas snails and clams created new combinations beginning only 100 million years ago. Paul Voosen, science.org, 1 Nov. 2024 The Massalia family, on the other hand, is responsible for a type of meteorite called L chondrites, which make up 37 percent of Earth’s meteorites. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024 While meteorites range from the size of a pebble to a closed fist, asteroids are almost like mini planets, the largest measuring about 600 miles across. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2024 This came out to roughly 120 smaller meteorites—and only one larger rock—annually. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meteorite 

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteorite was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near meteorite

Cite this Entry

“Meteorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteorite. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

meteorite

noun
me·​te·​or·​ite ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce meteorite (audio)
: a meteor that reaches the surface of the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on meteorite

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