particulate

par·tic·u·late  (pr-tky-lt, -lt, pär-)

adj.

Of, relating to, or formed of minute separate particles.

n.

1. A minute separate particle, as of a granular substance or powder.

2. Particulate matter. Often used in the plural: diesel particulates; a high level of atmospheric particulates.

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[From Latin particula, a small part; see particle.]

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particulate  (pr-tky-lt)

Adjective

Formed of very small, separate particles. Dust and soot are forms of particulate matter.

Noun

1. A very small particle, as of dust or soot. Particulates that are given off by the burning of oil, gasoline, and other fuels can remain suspended in the atmosphere for long periods, where they are a major component of air pollution and smog.

2. A substance or suspension composed of such particles, such as sand or smoke.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	particulate - a small discrete mass of solid or liquid matter that remains individually dispersed in gas or liquid emissions (usually considered to be an atmospheric pollutant) particulate matter material, stuff - the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object; "coal is a hard black material"; "wheat is the stuff they use to make bread" dust - fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air; "the furniture was covered with dust"
Adj.	1.	particulate - composed of distinct particles nonparticulate - not composed of distinct particles