regolith

noun

reg·​o·​lith ˈre-gə-ˌlith How to pronounce regolith (audio)
: unconsolidated residual or transported material that overlies the solid rock on the earth, moon, or a planet

Examples of regolith in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even if a harvester can outgas regolith reliably, separating minute traces of helium-3 from helium-4 and other gases at low mass fractions requires sophisticated cryogenic or membrane systems. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 Matt Damon’s character would probably not have survived on the real Mars of today, because its rocklike surface, called regolith, is too full of salts and toxic chemicals such as perchlorate for potatoes, or most Earth-like plants, to grow. Chris Impey, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025 Some of the factors being considered include learning about evolution of planets, the processes that influence lunar regolith or dust, as well as objectives in fields like sun science or physical sciences. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The Sun has very little of these elements present in its photosphere, but the Moon’s crust and regolith is almost exclusively composed of these heavier elements. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regolith

Word History

Etymology

Greek rhēgos blanket + English -lith; akin to Greek rhezein to dye — more at raga

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of regolith was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Regolith.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regolith. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

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