microgravity

American  

[mahy-kroh-grav-i-tee] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌgræv ɪ ti /

noun

1. a condition, especially in space orbit, where the force of gravity is so weak that weightlessness results.

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microgravity British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌɡrævɪtɪ /

noun

1. the very low apparent gravity experienced in a spacecraft in earth orbit

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microgravity Scientific  

/ mī′krō-grăv′ĭ-tē /

1. A condition in which an object in the gravitational field of some other body (such as the Earth) is accelerated freely as a result of the gravitational force. Free-falling objects, such as a skydiver or a satellite orbiting the Earth, are in a condition of microgravity, while objects held up by forces resisting gravity (as in the case of objects resting on the Earth's surface) or held up by aerodynamic forces (as in the case of birds or aircraft) are not. Since the normal experience of weight on Earth is the result of forces that resist gravity, objects in microgravity appear weightless. Not all effects of gravity are eliminated in such conditions; tidal forces, for example, still affect bodies in microgravity, especially large bodies such as the Earth and the Moon.

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Etymology

Origin of microgravity

First recorded in 1980–85; micro- + gravity

Example Sentences

Microgravity manufacturing has been studied for decades, and several companies, such as Varda Space Industries, which successfully made an HIV medicine in orbit, plan to commercialize it.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Microgravity manufacturing will allow purer and more-uniform crystals, alloys and drug compounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Microgravity also distorts the vestibular system, which is how you balance and sense which way is up.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2025

Members of the Microgravity Research Team said they believe 3D printing is the way to make that happen.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2023

Microgravity can also be experienced in short bursts, such as on the famous "Vomit Comet" airplane that flies parabolas up and down, or on minutes-long sounding-rocket flights.

From Scientific American • May 27, 2015