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microplastic

[ mahy-kroh-plas-tik ]

noun

  1. a tiny particle of plastic, especially one five millimeters or smaller, formed from the breakdown of plastic waste, shed from synthetic textiles, or intentionally added to various products:

    Microplastics are a problem because marine life mistakes the floating particles for food.

  2. these tiny particles of plastic taken collectively:

    Microplastic is still used in some cosmetics and personal care products.



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Word History and Origins

Origin of microplastic1

First recorded in 1955–60; micro- ( def ) + plastic ( def )

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microplanktonmicropore