regolith

[reg-uh-lith]

noun

1. mantle rock.

regolith

/ ˈrɛɡəlɪθ /

noun

1. the layer of loose material covering the bedrock of the earth and moon, etc, comprising soil, sand, rock fragments, volcanic ash, glacial drift, etc

regolith

1. The layer of rock and mineral fragments that rests on bedrock and is produced by the weathering of rocks. Regolith constitutes the surface of most land.

Word History and Origins

Origin of regolith¹

1895–1900; < Greek rhêgo ( s ) rug, blanket + -lith

Word History and Origins

Origin of regolith¹

C20: from Greek rhēgos covering, blanket + lithos stone

Example Sentences

From the Gaia data, the findings support the picture of asteroids as loosely held together rubble piles, with lots of holes and cavities blanketed in thick, dusty regolith.

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Designing the wheels is another challenge, as the Moon's surface is covered with a sticky layer of fragmented rock and dust called regolith.

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The floating, sticky dust, technically known as lunar regolith, also made it tough to see during landing or during surface activities; for example, the Apollo 11 astronauts in 1969 repeatedly tripped over an external TV cable obscured in powder.

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It might not be until 2028 or later that Sierra Space can test its system on the moon, using real regolith in low gravity conditions.

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Soon, that regolith was gloop.

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