microplastic

American  

[mahy-kroh-plas-tik] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌplæs tɪk /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of microplastic

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

Example Sentences

"We found endothelial cells were the most affected by microplastic exposure," Zhou said.

From Science Daily

"We will also look into the molecular mechanisms behind endothelial dysfunction and explore how microplastics affect male and female arteries differently. As microplastic pollution continues to rise worldwide, understanding its impacts on human health -- including heart disease -- is becoming more urgent than ever."

From Science Daily

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Slate