granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-(ˌ)yül 

1

: a small particle

especially : one of numerous particles forming a larger unit

2

: any of the small short-lived brilliant spots on the sun's photosphere

Synonyms

• atom
• bit
• crumb
• dribble
• fleck
• flyspeck
• grain
• molecule
• morsel
• mote
• nubbin
• nugget
• particle
• patch
• scrap
• scruple
• snip
• snippet
• speck
• tittle

Examples of granule in a Sentence

is there one granule of truth in that statement?

Recent Examples on the Web

Grits Don’t let those snowy little grit granules fool you—they aren’t meant to hang around for too long waiting for their moment in the sun. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025

The most significant spike occurred with caffeine-containing powders/granules, like pre-workout supplements, which surged 633%. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025

Return pureed vegetables to same saucepan; stir in 3 cups water, masa harina, bouillon granules, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. —Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025

Add tomato sauce, cilantro, garlic, bouillon granules, cumin, and black pepper; stir to combine. —Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin granulum, diminutive of Latin granum grain

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-yü(ə)l 

1

: a small grain or particle

granules of sugar

2

: a small short-lived bright spot on the sun

Medical Definition

granule

noun

gran·​ule ˈgran-(ˌ)yü(ə)l 

1

a

: a little grain or small particle

especially : one of a number of particles forming a larger unit

b

: a small sugar-coated pill

2

: a clump of actinomycetes in a lesion