microgravity

[ mahy-kroh-grav-i-tee ]

noun

1. a condition, especially in space orbit, where the force of gravity is so weak that weightlessness results.

microgravity

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌɡrævɪtɪ /

noun

1. the very low apparent gravity experienced in a spacecraft in earth orbit

microgravity

/ mī′krō-grăv′ĭ-tē /

1. A condition in which an object in the gravitational field of some other body (such as the Earth) is accelerated freely as a result of the gravitational force. Free-falling objects, such as a skydiver or a satellite orbiting the Earth, are in a condition of microgravity, while objects held up by forces resisting gravity (as in the case of objects resting on the Earth's surface) or held up by aerodynamic forces (as in the case of birds or aircraft) are not. Since the normal experience of weight on Earth is the result of forces that resist gravity, objects in microgravity appear weightless. Not all effects of gravity are eliminated in such conditions; tidal forces , for example, still affect bodies in microgravity, especially large bodies such as the Earth and the Moon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microgravity¹

First recorded in 1980–85; micro- + gravity

Example Sentences

Co-lead Dr Julia Low said the team found the VR simulation offered an immersive experience of a confined environment, evoking more intense perceptions of all the food aromas tested, except lemongrass, than the microgravity posture.

From Science Daily

"This difference in profile may explain why lemongrass seemed less intense in the VR setting compared to the microgravity posture."

From Science Daily

Space studies often emphasised microgravity as the main contributing factor to food's different taste, but the team's findings underscored the impact of confined and isolated environments, Loke said.

From Science Daily

This link between stress and vinegar may help explain why astronauts like to eat certain foods in microgravity that they don't normally enjoy on Earth, Newman said.

From Science Daily

Newman said future studies would combine the microgravity posture with the VR experience for participants, to better simulate the astronaut experience and design food plans for longer missions, including trips to Mars.

From Science Daily