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

The fine granules will dissolve in the dough and impart subtle mocha notes, adding a deeper, more complex flavor to your cookies. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

This extract is freeze-dried to remove the water and turned into granules. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Physical exfoliants include facial scrubs, which use granules to literally scrub dead skin cells, oil, dirt and grime from your skin. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024

Additionally, the researchers found that the P granules are round and deform just like a liquid would. —Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin granulum, diminutive of Latin granum grain

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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