particulate

American  

[per-tik-yuh-lit, -leyt, puh-tik-, pahr-] / pərˈtɪk yə lɪt, -ˌleɪt, pəˈtɪk-, pɑr- /

adjective

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

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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 British  

/ -ˌleɪt, pɑːˈtɪkjʊlɪt /

noun

1. a substance consisting of separate particles

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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 Scientific  

/ pər-tĭk′yə-lĭt /

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of particulate

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

Example Sentences

That means when they are breathed in, they won’t go too deep into the lungs — not like the particulate matter we inhale during sunny, dry days.

From Los Angeles Times

In the last decade, increasing numbers of wildfires in Western states have released enough fine particulate pollution to reverse years’ worth of improvements under the Clean Air Act and other antipollution measures.

From Los Angeles Times

The sensors also have an aerosol probe that measures particulate matter, because dust helps with snowflake formation.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From Barron's

Related Words

• crude
• grainy
• harsh