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

But the most surprising find was that both species derived nearly half of their nutrition from particulate organic matter! —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026

Smog is ground-level ozone pollution and soot is particulate matter. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 22 Apr. 2026

Noun

The refinery is currently complying with the settlement agreement and has already implemented measures to reduce particulate matter emissions, Chu said. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 30 May 2026

The scientists noted that some of the tube foot explants survived for years just sitting free at the bottom of holding tanks, covered in a layer of particulate matter and surrounded by other living organisms. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 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
• 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