granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-(ˌ)yül 

1

: a small particle

especially : one of numerous particles forming a larger unit

2

: any of the small short-lived brilliant spots on the sun's photosphere

Synonyms

• atom
• bit
• crumb
• dribble
• fleck
• flyspeck
• grain
• molecule
• morsel
• mote
• nubbin
• nugget
• particle
• patch
• scrap
• scruple
• snip
• snippet
• speck
• tittle

Examples of granule in a Sentence

is there one granule of truth in that statement?

Recent Examples on the Web

It is pulverized until the granules become very fine, almost chalky in their consistency. —Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025

The starch granules prove how the tools were used in ancient times. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025

Hailstones can also cause punctures, tears, fractures, bruises and the more common displacement of granules, which can expose asphalt shingles to the sun’s rays and ultraviolet degradation. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

Between the sunscreen spills (that can often strip lens coatings), rogue granules of sand, and the chaos of kids and miscellaneous accidents, flimsy fabric pouches don’t cut it. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin granulum, diminutive of Latin granum grain

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for granule

• spaniel

Kids Definition

granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-yü(ə)l 

1

: a small grain or particle

granules of sugar

2

: a small short-lived bright spot on the sun

Medical Definition

granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-(ˌ)yü(ə)l 

1

a

: a little grain or small particle

especially : one of a number of particles forming a larger unit

b

: a small sugar-coated pill

2

: a clump of actinomycetes in a lesion