[RegulatorCountry]

As I said; outside the atmosphere it’s an asteroid. While falling through the atmosphere it’s a meteor.

I was taught to remember the Latin roots in a high school meteorology and astronomy class. Astro, astronomy, asteroid. In outer space. Meteor, meteorology, within the atmosphere. Meteorite, stalagmite, stalagtite, the "-ite" suffix is a geological reference, so it's on the ground.

Pretty basic linguistic distinctions, really. But people have somehow gotten the notion that the terms refer to size, including the erstwhile genius Michael Medved.

Oh well, it won't be the first time he's been wrong and certainly won't be the last. Pity he'll never know it.

[cripplecreek]

I was taught to remember the Latin roots in a high school meteorology and astronomy class.

Why a basic working knowledge of Latin is important. The Latin root words are kind of like a linguistic library. The root word puts you in the right aisle.

[BwanaNdege]

Ah, Latin. Mrs Clapper, the terror of a small 8th grade boy. Dick Butkus’ older, bigger, meaner sister!

But I appreciate what little Latin she was able to drum into my little skull full of mush.

Latin is so useful for really understanding English.

e.g. “Companion” is “con(m)” = “with” + “pan” = “bread”
Companion - one with whom you break bread.

[TigersEye]

I had forgotten those linguistic roots but that’s how I was originally taught the difference too. Each tied to the respective scientific disciplines relevant to the state of the rock/s in question.