particulate

[ per-tik-yuh-lit, -leyt, puh-tik-, pahr- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or composed of distinct particles.

noun

1. a separate and distinct particle.
2. a material composed of such particles.
3. particulates,
   1. the aggregate of such particles, especially as produced by one source:

      tests to analyze diesel particulates.

   2. Meteorology. solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere, especially pollutants.

particulate

/ -ˌleɪt; pɑːˈtɪkjʊlɪt /

noun

1. a substance consisting of separate particles

adjective

1. of or made up of separate particles
2. genetics of, relating to, or designating inheritance of characteristics, esp with emphasis on the role of genes

particulate

/ pər-tĭk′yə-lĭt /

Adjective

1. Formed of very small, separate particles. Dust and soot are forms of particulate matter.

Noun

1. A very small particle, as of dust or soot. Particulates that are given off by the burning of oil, gasoline, and other fuels can remain suspended in the atmosphere for long periods, where they are a major component of air pollution and smog.
2. A substance or suspension composed of such particles, such as sand or smoke.

Other Words From

• nonpar·ticu·late adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of particulate¹

1870–75; < New Latin particulātus, equivalent to Latin particul ( a ) particle + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

They can report on air quality status, offer up-to-the-minute notifications if certain particulate matter spikes, and even make automatic adjustments to the airflow if needed.

From Popular-Science

The decision re-establishes a limit defined in 2012 for fine particulate matter, better known as soot.

From Popular-Science

The panel included epidemiologists, physicians, biostatisticians and other experts who specialize in particulate pollution.

From ProPublica

Certainly geo-engineering is a controversial field, and solar radiation management, casting dust, or particulates, into the atmosphere, are heavily discussed.

From Nautilus

One recent study shows that high concentrations of particulate matter from wildfire smoke can significantly increase the odds of seeking emergency care.

From Popular-Science

The concentration of PM2.5, the smallest particulate matter, is at 153 micrograms per cubic meter.

From The Daily Beast

Burning charcoal generates hydrocarbons, particulate air pollution, wildfires, and carbon footprints.

From The Daily Beast

Neither the particulate nor the chemical theories help us here.

From Project Gutenberg

Cricetine rodents chew plant and animal foods thoroughly; contents of their stomachs appear as finely-particulate fragments.

From Project Gutenberg

These results of experiments are commonly understood to prove the particulate character of the agents so studied.

From Project Gutenberg

The result is a case of particulate inheritance—the single comb being inherited anteriorly and the oo comb posteriorly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crude
• grainy
• harsh