nanoparticle

noun

nano·​par·​ti·​cle ˈna-nə-ˌpär-ti-kəl How to pronounce nanoparticle (audio)
ˈna-nō-
: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers

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Nanoparticles of a material usually have very different qualities from those that the material has at its ordinary scale, which is one reason why there's such excitement about the possibilities for how they might be used in future technologies. Many uses have already been developed. Aluminum nanoparticles added to rocket fuel can make the fuel burn twice as fast and release much more energy. Silicon nanoparticles are increasing the energy efficiency of solar cells by allowing the energy from ultraviolet light to be captured for the first time. Other nanoparticles are now helping prevent rust in metals, produce stronger batteries, enhance the diagnosis of cancer, and improve the filtering of water, and the number of other applications is growing fast.

Examples of nanoparticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Samples of air taken a few yards away from the wax melts both during and after the two-hours of use were found to contain airborne nanoparticles. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 The scientists started by creating a soil-substitute growth media made up of silica nanoparticles, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose resin, and water. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Nov. 2024 Scented wax melts produced three times more nanoparticles than candles, reaching similar levels of nanoparticles three nanometers or smaller as indoor stoves and diesel engines. Simon Spichak, Health, 5 Mar. 2025 Doctor immediately realized that, if the hemoglobin could be safely sheathed inside the membrane of Pan’s nanoparticle, these issues might be avoided. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nanoparticle

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nanoparticle was in 1983

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Cite this Entry

“Nanoparticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nanoparticle. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

nanoparticle

noun
nano·​par·​ti·​cle -ˌpärt-i-kəl How to pronounce nanoparticle (audio)
: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers
drugs bound to biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles

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