Definition

1. Noun:
   • A solid piece of debris from an object, such as a comet, asteroid, or meteoroid, that originates in outer space and survives its passage through the atmosphere to reach the surface of a planet or moon. The term specifically refers to the object after it has landed. It can be composed of stone, iron, or a mixture of both.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Scientists analyzed the composition of the meteorite.
  • A large meteorite created a crater in the desert.
  • The museum has an impressive collection of iron meteorites.

Advanced Usage

• "Meteorite fall": An event where a meteorite is observed as it falls through the atmosphere and is subsequently recovered.
  • The Chelyabinsk meteorite fall in 2013 was witnessed by thousands.
• "Meteorite impact": The collision of a meteorite with a planetary surface.
  • The theory suggests dinosaur extinction was caused by a massive meteorite impact.

Variants and Related Words

• Meteor (n): The visible streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters a planet's atmosphere and vaporizes; a "shooting star." (Contrast: A meteorite is what remains on the ground.)
• Meteoroid (n): A small rocky or metallic body in outer space, smaller than an asteroid. It becomes a meteor if it enters an atmosphere, and a meteorite if it lands.
• Micrometeorite (n): A very small meteorite, typically microscopic in size.

Synonyms

• Extraterrestrial object: An object originating from outside Earth.
• Cosmic debris: Remnants from space.

Related Phrases

• Meteorite shower: A fall of numerous meteorites from the same event.
  • The area was known for a historic meteorite shower.
• Find a meteorite: To discover a meteorite on the ground.
  • The geologist hoped to find a meteorite during the expedition.

Noun

1. stony or metallic object that is the remains of a meteoroid that has reached the earth's surface