granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-(ˌ)yül 

1

: a small particle

especially : one of numerous particles forming a larger unit

2

: any of the small short-lived brilliant spots on the sun's photosphere

Synonyms

• atom
• bit
• crumb
• dribble
• fleck
• flyspeck
• grain
• molecule
• morsel
• mote
• nubbin
• nugget
• particle
• patch
• scrap
• scruple
• snip
• snippet
• speck
• tittle

Examples of granule in a Sentence

is there one granule of truth in that statement?

Recent Examples on the Web

Then apply pre-emergent herbicide granules the first week of September to prevent germination of next year’s crop. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2025

Thanks to its black carbon Odor Shield granules, this odor-locking cat litter delivers active odor control to help create a pleasant litter box environment. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

Much like the worcestershire sauce hiding out in this banana bread recipe makes the fruit taste even more banana-like, the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules turn up the volume on the chocolate flavor. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025

Brown sugar granules gently remove stubborn flakes, while jojoba and argan oil deliver a nourishing dose of hydration to help keep skin from drying out. —Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin granulum, diminutive of Latin granum grain

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for granule

• spaniel

Kids Definition

granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-yü(ə)l 

1

: a small grain or particle

granules of sugar

2

: a small short-lived bright spot on the sun

Medical Definition

granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-(ˌ)yü(ə)l 

1

a

: a little grain or small particle

especially : one of a number of particles forming a larger unit

b

: a small sugar-coated pill

2

: a clump of actinomycetes in a lesion