Definitions for: Particle


[n] a function word having different uses in different languages
[n] a body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions
[n] (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything



Webster (1913) Definition: Par"ti*cle, n. [L. particula, dim of pars, gen
partis, a part: cf. F. particule. See Part, and cf.
Parcel.]
1. A minute part or portion of matter; a morsel; a little
bit; an atom; a jot; as, a particle of sand, of wood, of
dust.

The small size of atoms which unite To make the
smallest particle of light. --Blackmore.

2. Any very small portion or part; the smallest portion; as,
he has not a particle of patriotism or virtue.

The houses had not given their commissioners
authority in the least particle to recede.
--Clarendon.

3. (R. C. Ch.)
(a) A crumb or little piece of concecrated host.
(b) The smaller hosts distributed in the communion of the
laity. --Bp. Fitzpatrick.

4. (Gram.) A subordinate word that is never inflected (a
preposition, conjunction, interjection); or a word that
can not be used except in compositions; as, ward in
backward, ly in lovely.

Synonyms: atom, molecule, mote, speck

See Also: alpha particle, beta particle, body, boson, chylomicron, closed-class word, deuteron, elementary particle, fermion, function word, fundamental particle, grain, ion, magnetic monopole, material, micelle, prion, scintilla, stuff, subatomic particle, superstring, thermion, virino, virion

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