particulate

English

Etymology

From Late Latin particulatus, from Latin particula.

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.
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

• microparticulate
• nanoparticulate
• nanoparticulated
• nanoparticulation

• nonparticulate
• particulate inheritance
• particulate matter
• subparticulate
• thermoparticulate

Noun

particulate (plural particulates)

1. Any solid or liquid in a subdivided state, especially one that exhibits special characteristics which are negligible in the bulk material.

   Particulates in engine oil can abrade moving parts.

Anagrams

• catapultier