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.

Other experimental technologies are also exploring ways to overcome this challenge, including ultrasound-based delivery systems, "brain shuttle" molecules, and additional nanoparticle platforms designed to cross the barrier more effectively.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

The improvement held true across different delivery methods -- intramuscular, intratracheal, and intravenous -- and worked regardless of the specific nanoparticle design or genetic material being delivered.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

According to the researchers, these spinning crystals represent the first known example of a self-propelled metallic nanoparticle in biology.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

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

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