meteorite science definition

A meteor that reaches the Earth's surface because it has not been burned up by friction with the atmosphere. Meteorites are believed to be fragments of comets and asteroids.
♦ Meteorites that consist mostly of silicates are called stony meteorites and are classified as either chondrites or achondrites.
♦ Meteorites that consist mostly of iron are called iron meteorites.
♦ Meteorites that consist of a mixture of silicates and iron are called stony-iron meteorites.