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

Cooking with a gas stove produces more particulate matter than with an electric stove, and the gas stove also emits other hazardous chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide and benzene. —Katelyn Richard, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026

To measure particulate concentrations at the Green fire, The Times followed U.S. Forest Service crews and carried two Atmotube PRO sensors. —Hannah Dreier, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025

Noun

Coal units emit deadly, toxic particulate matter, awash with contaminates like heavy metals, sulfur dioxide and black carbon. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 25 Feb. 2026

The smell of coal soot was all pervasive, and the particulate found its way into every nook and cranny of the fort. —Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for particulate

• apiculate
• denticulate
• geniculate
• reticulate
• inarticulate

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