What is a meteorite?

A meteorite is specifically defined as a meteoroid that has passed through the Earth's atmosphere and landed on the surface. This means that for something to qualify as a meteorite, it must not only originate from space, as a meteoroid does, but it must also survive the intense heat and pressure encountered during its atmospheric entry. Once it impacts the Earth's surface, it is then formally called a meteorite. This distinction is crucial in understanding the lifecycle of these objects: a meteoroid becomes a meteor when it is traveling through the atmosphere, and only upon landing does it earn the designation of meteorite.