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

Flakes of salt—as opposed to smaller, more rounded granules—play double-duty in adding both flavor and texture. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

Brown sugar granules gently remove stubborn flakes, while jojoba and argan oil deliver a nourishing dose of hydration to help keep skin from drying out. —Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024

However, this difference is mainly because black salt crystals are larger, meaning fewer granules fit into a spoon. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 Mar. 2025

Turf scientists determined most fertilizer granules fall within the wheel tracks and taper to the edge of the distribution pattern. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 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