particulate
Americanadjective
noun
-
a separate and distinct particle.
-
a material composed of such particles.
-
particulates,
-
the aggregate of such particles, especially as produced by one source.
tests to analyze diesel particulates.
-
Meteorology. solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere, especially pollutants.
-
noun
adjective
-
of or made up of separate particles
-
genetics of, relating to, or designating inheritance of characteristics, esp with emphasis on the role of genes
-
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.
-
A substance or suspension composed of such particles, such as sand or smoke.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of particulate
1870–75; < New Latin particulātus, equivalent to Latin particul ( a ) particle + -ātus -ate 1
Vocabulary lists containing particulate
Earth Science - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Earth Science - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Human Impacts on Earth Systems - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
A 2023 Harvard study found that exposure to fine particulate air pollutants from coal-fired power plants had double the risk of mortality from similar particles from other sources.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Its aim was to reduce the most harmful air pollutants - nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
“You’ve probably noticed that the air looks smoggy today—that’s the particulate matter,” Cohan, the Rice University professor, said via email that day.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Short-term and annual particle pollution refer to fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
When particulate matter in the atmosphere was sufficient, light from the ground got trapped and reflected back, and the entire Detroit sky would become the soft pink of cotton candy.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
