particulate

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /pɑːˈtɪkjʊlət/, /pɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪt/, /pəˈtɪkjʊlət/, /pəˈtɪkjʊleɪt/
  • (US, Canada) IPA(key): /pɑɹˈtɪkjʊlət/

Adjective

particulate (comparative more particulate, superlative most particulate)

  1. Composed of separate particles. [from late 19th c.]
    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 2004, p. 41:
      The rudiments of particulate inheritance were dimly understood already by the breeders of cattle and apples, but nobody was being systematic.

Derived terms

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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