particle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
  2. noun a body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions
  3. noun a function word that can be used in English to form phrasal verbs

Etymology

From Middle French particule, and its source, Latin particula (“small part, particle”), diminutive of pars (“part, piece”). Semantically displaced native Old English grot whence modern English groat.

In classic literature

Synonyms

atom, molecule, corpuscle, mote, speck

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