particle

noun

par·​ti·​cle ˈpär-ti-kəl How to pronounce particle (audio)
1
a
: a minute quantity or fragment
b
: a relatively small or the smallest discrete portion or amount of something
2
archaic : a clause or article of a composition or document
3
: any of the basic units of matter and energy (such as a molecule, atom, proton, electron, or photon)
4
: a unit of speech expressing some general aspect of meaning or some connective or limiting relation and including the articles, most prepositions and conjunctions, and some interjections and adverbs
the particle up has a perfective meaning in phrases such as beat up and cut up
5
: a small eucharistic wafer distributed to a Roman Catholic layman at Communion

Examples of particle in a Sentence

There is not a particle of evidence to support their claim. There is not a particle of truth in what he said. The phrasal verb “look up” consists of the verb “look” and the adverbial particle “up.”
Recent Examples on the Web Finally, a high-suction machine vacuums any dust particles from the pores of the hat. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2024 Contrary to its fearsome name, the vampire squid passively feeds on marine snow – drifting organic particles – using two long, sticky filaments. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, other organisms, such as certain jellyfish and worms, deploy bioluminescence as a defense mechanism, releasing glowing particles to confuse and deter predators. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Additionally, Holmes recommended avoiding any drops or lubricants that smell off, have particles inside, aren’t sealed, or are past their expiration date. Korin Miller, Health, 29 Feb. 2024 The most important energy source for life on Earth can also supply the planet with space weather storms — bursts of electrons, protons, radiation and other particles — that can potentially affect technology. Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 In Kansas-like flatlands, particles thermalize quickly. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024 Ahead of allergy season, the Dyson Omni-Glide has advanced filtration that traps tiny particles and releases cleaner air into your home. Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 Both the head of the Czech space program, Commissioner Tuma (Isabella Rossellini), and Jakub’s main contact back at the base, Peter (Kunal Nayyar), focus chiefly on getting their man to the outer limits of Jupiter to collect particle specimens while keeping the sponsors happy. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'particle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin particula, from diminutive of part-, pars

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of particle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near particle

Cite this Entry

“Particle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/particle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

particle

noun
par·​ti·​cle ˈpärt-i-kəl How to pronounce particle (audio)
1
: one of the very small parts of matter (as a molecule, atom, or electron)
2
: a very small quantity or piece
3
: the smallest possible portion

Medical Definition

particle

noun
par·​ti·​cle ˈpärt-i-kəl How to pronounce particle (audio)
1
: one of the minute subdivisions of matter (as an atom or molecule)
2
: a minute quantity or fragment

More from Merriam-Webster on particle

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