1. an extremely small particle of matter, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in size, used in nanotechnology and materials science.
Usage: technical; scientific

Examples

• Researchers are developing nanoparticles to deliver medicine directly to cancer cells.
• Gold nanoparticles have unique optical properties that make them useful in medical imaging.
• The cosmetics industry uses nanoparticles in sunscreen to improve coverage and reduce greasiness.
• Scientists are studying how nanoparticles interact with the environment and living organisms.
• Nanoparticles of silver are being incorporated into textiles to create antibacterial fabrics.
• The size of a nanoparticle is so small that it cannot be seen with a standard microscope.