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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

microgravity

One experiment will explore manufacturing artificial retinas in microgravity, where the near absence of gravity creates conditions that cannot easily be reproduced on Earth.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

The spacecraft also delivered equipment for manufacturing artificial retinas in microgravity, the condition of near weightlessness experienced aboard the space station.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

The mission would see him conduct pioneering research spanning human physiology and musculoskeletal adaptation, how prosthetics perform in microgravity, and how people move and balance in space.

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2026

“Foods must be easy to prepare and consume in microgravity, minimize crumbs, and remain safe and stable throughout the mission.”

From Salon ● Apr. 10, 2026

"It is bigger in microgravity," she said, but "we are bumping into each other 100 percent of the time."

From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026

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