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

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

On days of high levels of particulate pollution, emergency room visits for persons with asthma and COPD often increase. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

Noun

Even then, coal plants continue to emit large amounts of mercury, fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides – all of which can be harmful to public health. —Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 23 May 2025

According to Citizens’ Climate Lobby, burning fossil fuels releases a mix of harmful pollutants including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter that contribute to global warming, smog, acid rain, and severe respiratory illnesses. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 22 May 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