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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microplastic¹

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