Particle

Definition

Particle is a noun that refers to a very small piece or portion of matter; in physics, it denotes a minute localized object to which can be ascribed several physical properties such as volume or mass. It can also mean a function word in grammar that does not change form and does not fit easily into the main parts of speech.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈpɑːr.tɪ.kəl/
• Respelling: PAR-ti-kuhl

British English

• IPA: /ˈpɑː.tɪ.kəl/
• Respelling: PAR-ti-kuhl

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French particule, from Latin particula ‘small part’, diminutive of pars ‘part’.

Derivatives

• particulate (adjective)
• particulate (noun: fine particles)
• particle-like (adjective)

Synonyms

• fragment
• speck
• molecule
• atom
• elementary particle

Antonyms

• whole
• aggregate

Usage

The noun "particle" is used in scientific, grammatical, and general contexts to refer to a tiny piece of matter or a function word. For example, "Cosmic rays consist of high‑energy particles," or "In English, the word 'up' can act as a particle in phrasal verbs like 'pick up'."

Related Terms

• Molecule: Two or more atoms bonded together.
• Atom: The basic unit of a chemical element.
• Elementary particle: A fundamental constituent of matter.
• Phrasal verb: A verb plus particle forming a single meaning.
• Particulate: Consisting of fine particles.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A very small piece or portion of matter – a tiny fragment or speck.
  • Example: "Dust particles floated in the sunlight."
• In physics, a localized object with physical properties – including mass, charge, and spin.
  • Example: "Protons and electrons are fundamental particles in atomic structure."
• A function word in grammar – a word that does not change form and typically forms part of a verb phrase.
  • Example: "In 'give up', 'up' is a particle that alters the meaning of the verb."