granule
UK: ˈɡrænjuːl | US: ˈɡrænjuːl
n. a small particle or grain, especially of a powdery substance
n. (biology) a small structure in a cell, often storing nutrients or secretions
granule = gran<grain> + ule<small>
- gran (from Latin granum, meaning "grain")
- ule (diminutive suffix from Latin -ulus, indicating smallness)
Etymology Origin:
The word granule traces back to Latin granum (grain), reflecting its core meaning of a tiny, grain-like particle. The suffix -ule was added to emphasize its small size, a common pattern in scientific and medical terminology (e.g., molecule, globule). The term evolved in English during the 17th century to describe fine particles in both physical and biological contexts.
Sugar granules dissolved quickly in the hot tea.
Under the microscope, starch granules appeared as tiny oval structures.
The artist sprinkled gold granules onto the wet paint for texture.
Pollen granules are often carried by wind or insects.
The medication is coated in granules to delay its release.