Meaning & use
particle
An extremely small piece of matter, or a tiny unit smaller than an atom studied in physics.
See it in a sentence
A single particle of dust drifted through the beam of sunlight.
Physicists at the laboratory search for particles smaller than protons and neutrons.
A note on using this word
In grammar, 'particle' also names a short function word like 'up' in 'give up' that has no clear meaning alone.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A short, usually invariable word, such as 'up' or 'not', that combines with a verb or modifies meaning.
In 'turn off', 'off' is a particle that changes the verb's meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “particle”, then compare your use with the examples above.