particulate Meaning & Definition
What Does Particulate Mean?
Particulate is an adjective that means Composed of separate particles. It is also used to mean 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. As a noun, it means Any solid or liquid in a subdivided state, especially one that exhibits special characteristics which are negligible in the bulk material. As a verb, it means To reduce to particles, make particulate.
Particulate: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /pɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lɪt/ |
| Syllables | 4 |
| Antonyms | nonparticulate |
| Plural | particulates |
| Comparative / superlative | more particulate, most particulate |
| Verb forms | particulates, particulating, particulated |
Particulate Definition (Adjective)
- Composed of separate particles.
particulate air pollution
- 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.
Particulate as a Noun
- 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.
Particulate as a Verb
- To reduce to particles, make particulate.
Verb
- Synonym of particularize.
Synonyms of Particulate
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Particulate synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Particulate
Particulate in a Sentence
particulate air pollution
particulate matter
Particulates in engine oil can abrade moving parts.
Word Forms & Grammar
particulate (comparative more particulate, superlative most particulate)
particulate (plural particulates)
particulate (third-person singular simple present particulates, present participle particulating, simple past and past participle particulated)
Words That Rhyme With Particulate
Origin of Particulate
Origin 1: From New Latin particulātus (“divided into small parts”) (also particulāta (“small parts”), from its neuter plural), from Classical Latin particula (“particle”), from pars (“part, piece”) + -cula (diminutive suffix), + -ātus (-ate).[1] The verb is probably independently from the adjective rather than from Etymology 2.[2]
Origin 2: From Latin particulāt-, past participial stem (compare the verbal suffix -ate) of particulō (“to particularize”), from particula (“particle”) + -ō (verbal suffix).[2]
Particulate Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of particulate is /pɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lɪt/, spoken in 4 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (tɪk).
Quick Answers About Particulate
Is particulate an adjective or a noun?
Particulate is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is the opposite of particulate?
The opposite of particulate is nonparticulate.
What is the plural of particulate?
The plural of particulate is particulates.
What is the past tense of particulate?
The past tense of particulate is particulated. The present participle is particulating.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of particulate?
The comparative form is more particulate and the superlative form is most particulate.