Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'meteorite'

English Word: meteorite

Key Russian Translations:

• метеорит [mʲɪtʲɪˈorʲɪt] - [Formal, Singular, Used in scientific or astronomical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in scientific, educational, or news contexts about space and astronomy.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of everyday language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метеорит: [mʲɪtʲɪˈorʲɪt]

Note on метеорит: The stress falls on the third syllable ("or"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants (e.g., 'mʲ' and 'tʲ'). Pronounce it with a soft, flowing rhythm to mimic native Russian speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A rocky or metallic object from space that survives entry into Earth's atmosphere.

Translation(s) & Context:

• метеорит - Used in formal scientific discussions, such as in astronomy lectures or research papers, to describe objects that have fallen to Earth.

Usage Examples:

• В прошлом году в Сибири упал огромный метеорит, который вызвал локальные землетрясения.

  Last year, a huge meteorite fell in Siberia, causing local earthquakes.

• Учёные изучают метеорит, найденный в Антарктиде, чтобы понять происхождение Солнечной системы.

  Scientists are studying the meteorite found in Antarctica to understand the origin of the Solar System.

• Этот музей выставляет редкие метеориты, которые были собраны во время экспедиций.

  This museum displays rare meteorites that were collected during expeditions.

• Метеорит, упавший в озеро, стал популярной темой в местных новостях.

  The meteorite that fell into the lake became a popular topic in local news.

• В фильме показано, как метеорит изменяет жизнь маленького городка.

  In the film, a meteorite changes the life of a small town.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метеорит" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • аэролит (aerolite) - Often used interchangeably in geological contexts, but more specific to stony meteorites.
  • космический обломок (cosmic fragment) - A broader term for space debris, with a less formal connotation.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific scientific term without a clear opposite. Related concepts might include "искусственный спутник" (artificial satellite) for man-made objects in space.

Related Phrases:

• падение метеорита - Fall of a meteorite; Used in news reports or scientific discussions about meteor events.
• метеоритный дождь - Meteor shower; Refers to events where multiple meteorites enter the atmosphere, often in astronomical contexts.
• исследование метеорита - Meteorite research; Common in academic or exploratory settings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "метеорит" directly corresponds to the English "meteorite" and is primarily used in formal or technical contexts, such as science, education, or media. Unlike English, Russian nouns must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence, so always decline it appropriately (e.g., use genitive "метеорита" after prepositions like "из" or "о"). When choosing between synonyms like "аэролит," opt for "метеорит" in general discussions for broader applicability. Be mindful of its low frequency in casual speech, reserving it for appropriate scenarios to sound natural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "метеорит" with "метеор" (meteor), which refers to the streak of light, not the physical object. Incorrect: "Я видел метеор на земле." Correct: "Я видел метеорит на земле." Explanation: "Метеор" is the atmospheric phenomenon, while "метеорит" is the object that lands; this distinction is crucial in scientific accuracy.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "О метеорит" (should be "О метеорите"). Correct: "О метеорите." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; always check the sentence structure to apply the right form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, meteorites often evoke fascination with space exploration, influenced by Russia's history in astronomy and the Soviet space program. For instance, the Tunguska event in 1908—a massive meteorite explosion in Siberia—remains a symbol of mystery and scientific intrigue, frequently referenced in literature and media to highlight Russia's vast, unexplored territories.

Related Concepts:

• комета (comet)
• астероид (asteroid)
• космос (space or cosmos)