infaller

Infaller is a coinage used mainly in speculative or fictional contexts to denote an agent or object that falls toward a planet or surface, typically from space. It is not a standard term in major dictionaries and has no single accepted definition. The word appears to be formed from the verb fall with the agent suffix -er, and may be influenced by the related word infall, though its precise origin is uncertain.

In science fiction and worldbuilding, infaller commonly describes a being, vehicle, or phenomenon that descends from above, emphasizing the act of descent or atmospheric entry. It can apply to meteoritic events as well as to re-entering spacecraft or other inbound objects.

In formal astronomy or spaceflight writing, the term is rarely used; meteor, meteoroid, asteroid, or de-orbiting spacecraft are standard terms. When used, infaller is typically defined in context to avoid ambiguity.

In philosophy or theology, some writers have used infaller as a playful or metaphorical term to discuss concepts related to descent, fall, or moral evaluation, but such usages are uncommon and not part of established discourse.

Examples and references to infaller are scarce, reflecting its status as a niche or emergent term. As with many neologisms, clear definition should accompany its first use.

See also: fall, infall, downfall, re-entry, meteor, asteroid, descent, neologism.