nanoparticle

American

[nan-oh-pahr-ti-kuhl, ney-noh-] / ˈnæn oʊˌpɑr tɪ kəl, ˈneɪ noʊ- /

noun

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

nanoparticle British

/ ˈnænəʊˌpɑːtɪkəl /

noun

a particle with dimensions less than 100 nanometres

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of nanoparticle

First recorded in 1980–85; nano- + particle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The drugmakers accused Moderna of infringing on several patents covering lipid nanoparticle technology, which is a critical component of Moderna’s mRNA vaccines.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

The lawsuit stems from patents on lipid nanoparticle technology used in Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine, with analysts viewing the settlement as manageable.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

"The real core technology that our company has been founded on is this nanoparticle and this treatment approach," says Kane.

From Science Daily • Oct. 13, 2025

This robust T-cell response is possible because of the particular nanoparticle design of the vaccine.

From Science Daily • Oct. 13, 2025

Before I say what they are, I should back up and say, if you’re on a battlefield, this synthetic nanoparticle is going to be the way to go always.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023