micrometeorite

noun

mi·​cro·​me·​te·​or·​ite ˌmī-krō-ˈmē-tē-ə-ˌrīt 

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 

adjective

Examples of micrometeorite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Collecting Cosmic Dust The researchers have a guess to explain this phenomenon; other irregular satellites with large orbits around Uranus are constantly struck with a barrage of micrometeorites, emitting dust that gradually moves inward toward the planet. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025

These outer moons are constantly bombarded by micrometeorites, which kick up particles that gradually spiral inward over millions of years, Soto said. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 11 June 2025

Researchers estimate that about 5,000 metric tons of micrometeorites land on Earth annually. —Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

The pit, which is collapsed on one side, could potentially provide an easy-to-access shelter that could shield future lunar explorers from radiation and micrometeorites. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

micrometeorite

noun

mi·​cro·​me·​te·​or·​ite ˌmī-krō-ˈmēt-ē-ə-ˌrīt 

: a very small particle in space