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

Most studies simply count the number of microplastic particles per volume of liquid, an unreliable measure because the particles will keep breaking into smaller bits, Prada said.

From Science Daily

To get the mass, the team measured the total surface area of the plastic particles and incorporated a standard measure of thickness and density based on the most common microplastic waste types: polyethylene and polypropylene.

From Science Daily

Also on Sunday, the governor vetoed AB 2214, which would have required state agencies to begin crafting guidance and language to tackle the growing issue of microplastic pollution.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement outlining the reasons for his refusal to sign, Newsom noted a 2018 law that directed the Ocean Protection Council to develop a statewide microplastics strategy, which he described as providing a “comprehensive and coordinated approach to identify early actions California can take to address microplastic pollution and advance existing microplastic research”

From Los Angeles Times

The other bill, AB 2214, would require state agencies to begin crafting guidance and language to tackle the growing issue of microplastic pollution.

From Los Angeles Times