particulate

1 of 2

adjective

par·​tic·​u·​late pär-ˈti-kyə-lət 

 also  -ˌlāt

: of or relating to minute separate particles

particulate

2 of 2

noun

: a particulate substance

Examples of particulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The warnings mean ground-level ozone and particulate concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

For particulate pollution smaller than 2.5 microns across, known as PM2.5, the report analyzed both daily and annual pollution levels. —Rebecca Dzombak, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025

Noun

As environmental regulations limit the toxic output from smokestacks and tail pipes, particulate matter that could be absorbing or blocking incoming sunlight is being eliminated, leading to gradually warmer oceans. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

Once these fires consume our concrete jungles, their smoke includes particulate matter from our cities. —Lahari Vuppaladhadiam, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin particula

First Known Use

Adjective

1870, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing particulate

• particulate inheritance

Rhymes for particulate

• apiculate
• denticulate
• geniculate
• reticulate
• inarticulate

Kids Definition

particulate

noun

par·​tic·​u·​late

pər-ˈtik-yə-lət,

pär-,

-ˌlāt

: a substance made up of very small separate particles

Medical Definition

particulate

1 of 2 adjective

par·​tic·​u·​late pär-ˈtik-yə-lət 

1

: of, relating to, or existing in the form of minute separate particles

dust, smoke, and other particulate matter

2

: of or relating to particulate inheritance

the particulate theory of heredity

—Julian Huxley

particulate

2 of 2 noun

: a particulate substance

emission of particulates by car engines

cytoplasmic particulates in the cell