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

See Examples For:

microgravity

In microgravity, quantum gases can be observed for longer periods and cooled to even lower temperatures.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 23, 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 has suction systems to compensate for microgravity.

From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026

There, in microgravity, the miniature labs grow molecular crystals that are purer than those produced in Earth’s gravity for use in pharmaceuticals.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026