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

Trucks generate seven times more particulate matter and greenhouse gases than trains. —Michael F. Gorman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026

Those guardrails are in place because air pollutants that come from the generators, like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ‘fine particulate matter’ are known to cause lung and heart health issues when inhaled. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 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