1. objects that strike or collide with another body, especially celestial objects like asteroids or comets that hit planets or moons
Usage: astronomy; geology
2. tools or devices designed to deliver forceful blows or strikes
Usage: technical

Examples

• Scientists study ancient impactors that created craters on the Moon’s surface.
• The asteroid belt contains many potential impactors that could threaten Earth.
• Researchers analyzed the composition of impactors from meteorite samples.
• Large impactors in the past may have caused mass extinction events.
• The construction crew used pneumatic impactors to break up the concrete.
• Geologists can identify impact sites by studying the debris left by ancient impactors.