ScienceJuly 15, 2026
particulate
/pɑːrˈtɪkjələt/
Definition
Consisting of minute, distinct solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'particula', meaning 'small part', which evolved into the English 'particular' before taking on the scientific sense of existing as a distinct particle in the 20th century.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe pollution from wildfire smoke, noting that its increase in western North America has mixed effects on local bird populations.
Birds respond differently to environmental change — and their traits explain why
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!