nanoparticle

[ nan-oh-pahr-ti-kuhl, ney-noh- ]

noun

1. a microscopic particle of matter that is measured on the nanoscale, usually one that measures less than 100 nanometers.

nanoparticle

/ ˈnænəʊˌpɑːtɪkəl /

noun

1. a particle with dimensions less than 100 nanometres

Word History and Origins

Origin of nanoparticle¹

First recorded in 1980–85; nano- + particle

Example Sentences

Novavax’s vaccine, given in two shots 21 days apart, contains a rod-shaped nanoparticle studded with the coronavirus’s spike protein.

From Science News

The process involves placing polyethylene inside a reaction chamber set to 280° C, with a catalyst powder containing platinum nanoparticles.

From Science News

Moderna had been working for 10 years to improve its nanoparticles.

From Time

The vaccines both use a genetic molecule called mRNA that is enclosed in a nanoparticle to deliver instructions to cells to make the coronavirus’ spike protein, which the virus uses to break into cells.

From Science News

The result of their work is a vaccine made of nanoparticles coated with flu proteins that do just that.

From MIT Technology Review