particle
PAR-tih-kuhl
/ˈpɑːrtɪkl/
A minute portion of matter; a very small piece or quantity.
In physics, 'particle' often refers to elementary particles (like electrons, quarks) or composite particles (like protons, neutrons) that are considered fundamental building blocks of matter and energy, often exhibiting point-like behavior.
The story behind the word. The word 'particle' comes from the Latin particula, which is the diminutive of pars, meaning 'part' or 'piece.' So, a particula literally means 'a little part.' This perfectly captures its essence as a tiny, fundamental component of something larger, or even a fundamental component in itself.
Word relationships
- speck: Often refers to visible dust or dirt; 'particle' is more general and used scientifically.
- fragment: Implies a broken piece of something larger; 'particle' can be fundamental.
- mass: A large, undifferentiated quantity of matter.
- whole: The complete entity, not a small part.
Word family
- particulate (adjective): relating to or in the form of particles
- partial (adjective): incomplete; favoring one side
Collocations
- subatomic particle
- elementary particle
- dust particle
- matter particle
Idioms & expressions
- not a particle of truth
Example sentences
- "Even the smallest particle of dust can be seen under a powerful microscope." General scientific context.
- "The Higgs boson is an elementary particle that gives other particles mass." In quantum physics.
- "Physicists are constantly searching for new elementary particles to complete the Standard Model." Describing fundamental constituents.
Memory hook
Think of a 'PART' of something, and then imagine it's a tiny, 'little' part – that's a 'particle'. Tiny PART
When not to use
While 'particle' can refer to any small piece, in the context of quantum mechanics, it specifically implies a subatomic entity, not just a speck of dust.
Fun facts
- The concept of particles dates back to ancient Greek philosophers like Democritus, who proposed the idea of 'atomos' (indivisible units).
- In quantum mechanics, particles also exhibit wave-like properties, blurring the classical distinction between waves and particles.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.