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

The warnings mean ground-level ozone and particulate concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

Compared to just the year before, particulate pollution levels rose nationwide by an average of 20 percent, the data showed. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025

Noun

Our pediatrician sent an e-mail explaining that the air-quality index, which measures the particulate matter from regular wildfires, would not account for the toxic compounds associated with structure fires. —Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared outdoor air pollution and particulate matter Group 1 carcinogens, proven causes of lung cancer. —Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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