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

More frequent and more severe wildfires lead to worsening air quality and an increase in the number of days when particulate pollution reaches very high levels. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

The alerts warned that elevated levels of particulate pollution were anticipated due to smoke from the blazes. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

Noun

And afternoon winds frequently blow stagnant air out of the valleys and downtown areas where particulate matter can concentrate during the cooler parts of the day. —John C. Quindry, The Conversation, 10 July 2025

For example, particulate matter 2.5, or PM2.5—which has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less—can cause respiratory and heart problems. —ArsTechnica, 9 July 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