nanoparticle

noun

nano·​par·​ti·​cle ˈna-nə-ˌpär-ti-kəl 

ˈna-nō-

: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers

Did you know?

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

Utilizing a vacuum impregnation process, nanoparticles of that ferrihydrite were drawn into the wood and deposited inside of its individual cell walls. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 29 Apr. 2025

This process involves breaking down THC into nanoparticles and suspending them in a solution, creating a stable and water-soluble product. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025

The research team used test tube experiments and found that oxalic acid caused tiny amount of gadolinium to precipitate from the contrast agent and form nanoparticles, which infiltrated cells of different organs. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

The nanoparticles also seem to have a memory of their past states. —IEEE Spectrum, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nanoparticle

• article
• particle
• interparticle
• quasiparticle

Medical Definition

nanoparticle

noun

nano·​par·​ti·​cle -ˌpärt-i-kəl 

: a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers

drugs bound to biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles