Definition of Meteorite
1. Noun. Stony or metallic object that is the remains of a meteoroid that has reached the earth's surface.
Definition of Meteorite
1. n. A mass of stone or iron which has fallen to the earth from space; an aërolite.
Definition of Meteorite
1. [n -S]
Medical Definition of Meteorite
1.
A mass of stone or iron which has fallen to the earth from space; an aerolite.
Meteorites usually show a pitted surface with a fused crust, caused by the heat developed in their rapid passage through the earth's atmosphere. A meteorite may consist: 1. Of metallic iron, alloyed with a small percentage of nickel (meteoric iron, holosiderite). When etched this usually exhibits peculiar crystalline figures, called Widmanstatten figures. 2. Of a cellular mass of iron with imbedded silicates (mesosiderite or siderolite). 3. Of a stony mass of silicates with little iron (meteoric stone, sporadosiderite). 4. Of a mass without iron (asiderite).
Origin: Cf. F. Meteorite.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Meteorite
Other Resources:
Asturian