A bit of matter that enters the Earth's atmosphere and survives to reach the ground is called a meteorite.

Here's the breakdown:

* Meteoroid: A small piece of rock or metal in space.

* Meteor: A meteoroid that burns up in the Earth's atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light.

* Meteorite: A meteoroid that survives its fiery journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth.

So, while the term "meteor" refers to the bright streak of light, it's the leftover piece, the meteorite, that actually reaches the ground.