particle Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
speck; atom; molecule; corpuscle; mote.
noun a body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions
subatomic particle.
noun a function word that can be used in English to form phrasal verbs

L. particula, dim of pars, gen partis, a part: cf. F. particule. See Part, and cf. Parcel.

A minute part or portion of matter; a morsel; a little bit; an atom; a jot; as, a particle of sand, of wood, of dust.
The small size of atoms which unite To make the smallest particle of light. Blackmore.
Any very small portion or part; the smallest portion; as, he has not a particle of patriotism or virtue.
The houses had not given their commissioners authority in the least particle to recede. Clarendon.
(R. C. Ch.) (a) A crumb or little piece of concecrated host. (b) The smaller hosts distributed in the communion of the laity. Bp. Fitzpatrick.
(Gram.) A subordinate word that is never inflected (a preposition, conjunction, interjection); or a word that can not be used except in compositions; as, ward in backward, ly in lovely. elementary particle (Physics)