Definition

A very small piece of dust or rock that comes from space and falls to the Earth or the Moon.

Example

Scientists study micrometeorites to learn more about the early solar system.

Conversation

Did you hear about the micrometeorite that landed in our area last week?

Yeah, it was all over the news!

I didn't realize how tiny a micrometeorite could be, though.

I know, right? It's amazing how something so small can come from space!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Micrometeorite → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "meteorite" (from Greek "meteōros", meaning high in the air, and "lithos", meaning stone). The word describes a small stone that originates from the atmosphere or outer space.

Memory Tip

Think of something 'small' ('micro-') that is a 'stone' ('meteorite') from the sky — that's what a micrometeorite is.

Visually Confused Words