1. a very small piece or amount of something
2. a tiny unit of matter, such as an atom or molecule
Usage: physics; chemistry
3. a small word that has a grammatical function but little meaning on its own
Usage: grammar

Examples

• A particle of dust floated in the sunbeam.
• The scientist studied subatomic particles in the laboratory.
• Not a particle of evidence supported his claim.
• Alpha particles are emitted during radioactive decay.
• In English, ‘up’ can be a particle in phrasal verbs like ‘give up’.
• The air filter removes particles from the ventilation system.
• Elementary particles are the building blocks of matter.