particle
UK: ˈpɑːtɪkl | US: ˈpɑːrtɪkl
n. a minute portion of matter
n. a function word that can be used in English to form phrasal verbs (e.g., "up" in "give up")
n. (linguistics) an uninflected word serving grammatical functions (e.g., "to" in infinitive verbs)
particle = parti<part> + cle<small>
- parti<part>: From Latin particula, meaning "small part" or "little piece," derived from pars (part).
- cle<small>: A diminutive suffix in Latin (-culus), indicating something small or minor.
Etymology Origin:
The word "particle" traces back to Latin particula, a diminutive of pars (part). It originally referred to tiny fragments or subdivisions of matter. Over time, its meaning expanded to include grammatical particles (small, uninflected words) and subatomic particles in physics. The suffix -cle reinforces the idea of smallness, making "particle" inherently linked to the concept of minor components.
Dust particles floated in the sunlight.
In "look up," the word "up" is an adverbial particle.
Electrons are subatomic particles with a negative charge.
The scientist analyzed each particle under a microscope.
Some languages use particles to indicate questions or emphasis.