particulate

Definition

Composed of separate particles.

Etymology

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). The verb is probably independently from the adjective rather than from Etymology 2.

Example Sentences

• "particulate air pollution"
• "particulate matter"
• "The rudiments of particulate inheritance were dimly understood already by the breeders of cattle and apples, but nobody was being systematic."