Meaning & use

microplastic

noun·Academic

A tiny fragment of plastic, typically less than five millimeters across, found in the environment.

See it in a sentence

Researchers found troubling amounts of microplastics in samples of deep ocean water.

Washing synthetic clothing in a machine releases microplastics directly into wastewater systems.

A note on using this word

Microplastics form both from larger plastic breaking down and from manufactured tiny beads.

Words with a similar meaning

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