What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

The distinction between a meteor and a meteorite is fundamental in astronomy. A meteor refers to the streak of light that occurs when a meteoroid—essentially a small rock or particle from space—enters Earth’s atmosphere and burns up due to friction with the air. This glowing phenomenon is often referred to as a "shooting star."

On the other hand, a meteorite is the term used for the fragment of that meteoroid that survives its passage through the atmosphere and subsequently lands on the Earth’s surface.

Understanding this difference clarifies how these terms are used. Meteor is the process observed during atmospheric entry, while meteorite describes the physical object that reaches the ground.