ScienceAugust 27, 2026

regmaglypts

REG-muh-glipts

Definition

Small, shallow, thumbprint-like indentations on the surface of a meteorite caused by the ablation of material during its high-speed passage through the atmosphere.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek roots 'rhegma' (meaning 'break' or 'fracture') and 'glyph' (meaning 'carving' or 'engraving'), reflecting the sculpted appearance of the rock's surface.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the surface features of the Great Salt Lake meteorite, explaining how atmospheric heat and friction create these specific indentations.

Great Salt Lake meteorite lands in a new home

Read the full article ↗

The University of Utah

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