particulate

1 of 2

adjective

par·​tic·​u·​late pär-ˈti-kyə-lət 

 also  -ˌlāt

: of or relating to minute separate particles

particulate

2 of 2

noun

: a particulate substance

Examples of particulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Haddad said the high temperature in the machine’s chamber and the long-torch flames partially burn the particulate matter in smoke, and the fans draw the remaining smoke away. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2024

In 2010, India’s Central Pollution Control Board found that the particulate matter in 180 Indian cities was six times higher than World Health Organization standards. —Ira Trivedi, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2015

Noun

Then, researchers used an optical aerosol spectrometer and a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer to measure the concentrations of two key indoor air pollutants: particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). —Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

During that period — divided into June 6-8 and June 28-30 — the scientists found a 9.4-fold and 7.4-fold surge, respectively, in fine particulate matter pollution levels, in comparison to all other days in 2023. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin particula

First Known Use

Adjective

1870, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing particulate

• particulate inheritance

Kids Definition

particulate

noun

par·​tic·​u·​late

pər-ˈtik-yə-lət,

pär-,

-ˌlāt

: a substance made up of very small separate particles

Medical Definition

particulate

1 of 2 adjective

par·​tic·​u·​late pär-ˈtik-yə-lət 

1

: of, relating to, or existing in the form of minute separate particles

dust, smoke, and other particulate matter

2

: of or relating to particulate inheritance

the particulate theory of heredity

—Julian Huxley

particulate

2 of 2 noun

: a particulate substance

emission of particulates by car engines

cytoplasmic particulates in the cell