granulate

UK: ˈɡræn.jə.leɪt | US: ˈɡræn.jə.leɪt

Definition
  1. vt. to form into grains or small particles

  2. vi. to become granular in texture

  3. adj. having a granular structure

Structure
gran <grain>ul <small>ate <verb suffix>gran <grain>ul <small>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word granulate traces back to Latin granulum (a small grain), combining granum (grain) with the diminutive -ulum. Over time, it evolved into granulatus in Medieval Latin, meaning "composed of small grains." The English verb granulate emerged in the 17th century, reflecting the process of breaking substances into grain-like particles. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb, aligning with scientific and industrial terminology.

Examples
  1. The sugar will granulate if left in humid conditions.

  2. Manufacturers granulate plastic pellets for easier molding.

  3. The soil began to granulate after repeated freezing and thawing.

  4. Granulated garlic dissolves more quickly than whole cloves.

  5. The chemist used a machine to granulate the powdered compound.