'Particle' definitions:

Definition of 'particle'

From: WordNet
noun
(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything [syn: atom, molecule, particle, corpuscle, mote, speck]
noun
A body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions [syn: particle, subatomic particle]
noun
A function word that can be used in English to form phrasal verbs

Definition of 'Particle'

From: GCIDE
  • Particle \Par"ti*cle\, n. [L. particula, dim. of pars, gen partis, a part: cf. F. particule. See Part, and cf. Parcel.]
  • 1. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The small size of atoms which unite To make the smallest particle of light. --Blackmore. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Any very small portion or part; the smallest portion; as, he has not a particle of patriotism or virtue. [1913 Webster]
  • The houses had not given their commissioners authority in the least particle to recede. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (R. C. Ch.) (a) A crumb or little piece of consecrated host. (b) The smaller hosts distributed in the communion of the laity. --Bp. Fitzpatrick. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (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. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Physics) An elementary particle. [PJC]