particulate

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

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

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (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[edit]

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.

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Noun[edit]

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.

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