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. )

Example Sentences

So far, hundreds of millions of nurdles may have been cleared away - but the remaining, lentil-sized microplastic granules have become increasingly difficult to find as they disappear deeper into the sand.

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Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the vote was another step towards reducing the environmental harm caused by plastic and microplastic pollution.

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Even just getting an accurate measurement of microplastic pieces in the blood is difficult.

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“I don’t need to find microplastic particles in your blood to offer you that advice.”

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The law was written to address the mounting issue of plastic pollution in the environment and the growing number of studies showing the ubiquity of microplastic pollution in the human body — such as in the brain, blood, heart tissue, testicles, lungs and various other organs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times