nanoparticle

noun

nano·​par·​ti·​cle ˈna-nə-ˌpär-ti-kəl 

ˈna-nō-

: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers

Did you know?

Nanoparticles of a material usually have very different qualities from those that the material has at its ordinary scale, which is one reason why there's such excitement about the possibilities for how they might be used in future technologies. Many uses have already been developed. Aluminum nanoparticles added to rocket fuel can make the fuel burn twice as fast and release much more energy. Silicon nanoparticles are increasing the energy efficiency of solar cells by allowing the energy from ultraviolet light to be captured for the first time. Other nanoparticles are now helping prevent rust in metals, produce stronger batteries, enhance the diagnosis of cancer, and improve the filtering of water, and the number of other applications is growing fast.

Examples of nanoparticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists also deploy the same kind of lipid nanoparticles used for mRNA vaccines. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024

Now, a new nanoparticle infusion therapy has been found to break down these plaques safely in tests in pigs. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024

This technology uses titanium oxide nanoparticles that jump-start chemical reactions. —Kate Graham-Shaw, Scientific American, 21 May 2024

Unlike dissolved gold, nanoparticles typically wouldn’t have enough chemical energy to start the necessary reaction to build up on the cracks’ surface and form a nugget. —Kate Graham-Shaw, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nanoparticle

noun

nano·​par·​ti·​cle -ˌpärt-i-kəl 

: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers

drugs bound to biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles