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

"We anticipated that the combined stresses of space, including vacuum, cosmic radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and microgravity, would cause far greater damage than any single stress alone," says Fujita.

From Science Daily

But “Starship has yet to reach orbit,” Hubbard said, “and once it reaches orbit, they’ve got to demonstrate microgravity transfer of cryogenic propellant.”

From Los Angeles Times

Skyrora says Skylark L has the potential to be used for microgravity experiments at a lower cost than an orbital vehicle.

From BBC

Another Isro experiment involves growing three strains of microalgae which could be used as food, fuel or even in life support systems and this will help identify the most suitable ones for growing in microgravity, she says.

From BBC

The other experiments aim to identify how muscle loss occurs in space and how it can be treated; and the physical and cognitive impact of using computer screens in microgravity.

From BBC