particulate

English

Etymology

From New Latin particulatus, from particula, diminutive of pars.

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /pɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lɪt/, /pɑːˈtɪk.jʊˌleɪt/, /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lɪt/, /pəˈtɪk.jʊˌleɪt/
  • (US, Canada) IPA(key): /pɑɹˈtɪk.jə.lət/, /pɑɹˈtɪk.jəˌleɪt/, /pɚˈtɪk.jə.lət/, /pɚˈtɪk.jəˌleɪt/
  • Rhymes: -ɪkjʊlɪt

Adjective

particulate (comparative more particulate, superlative most particulate)

  1. Composed of separate particles. [from late 19th c.]
    Coordinate terms: see Thesaurus:granular
    particulate air pollution
    particulate matter
  2. (genetics) Pertaining to heritable characteristics which are attributable discretely to either one or another of an offspring's parents, rather than a blend of the two.
    • 1999, Matt Ridley, Genome, Harper Perennial, published 2004, page 41:
      The rudiments of particulate inheritance were dimly understood already by the breeders of cattle and apples, but nobody was being systematic.

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

particulate (plural particulates)

  1. (chiefly in the plural) Any solid or liquid in a subdivided state, especially one that exhibits special characteristics which are negligible in the bulk material. [from 1960]
    Synonym: particulate matter
    Particulates in engine oil can abrade moving parts.

Translations
solid or liquid in a subdived state — see particulate matter

Further reading

Anagrams
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