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

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

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 Word Forms

• nonparticulate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of particulate¹

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

Example Sentences

These particulates can damage public health, but regulation has caused industries to limit their emissions to the point where they now pose little risk.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Environmental Protection Agency in 2024 had strengthened limits on fine particulate matter, including soot, which can lead to health problems including strokes, heart attacks and asthma attacks.

Read more on Barron's

These included partial restrictions on fossil fuel-powered transport and water trucks spraying mist to clear particulate matter from the air.

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This year, the Supreme Court eased restrictions, allowing the use of so-called "green" firecrackers that are designed to emit fewer particulate pollutants.

Read more on Barron's

That came after the Supreme Court this month eased a blanket ban on fireworks to allow the use of the less-polluting "green" crackers -- developed to reduce particulate emission.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• crude 
• grainy 
• harsh