particle

BrE /ˈpɑːtɪkəl/ AmE /ˈpɑːrtɪkl/

noun en → es

1 PARTICLE IN PHYSICS C1

a very small piece of matter that is part of an atom and has a positive, negative, or neutral charge

partícula (en física)

  • a particle of something

Collocations subatomic particles · elementary particles

  • Scientists are studying the properties of subatomic particles.

    Los científicos están estudiando las propiedades de partículas subatómicas.

2 PARTICLE IN LINGUISTICS B2

a very small unit of language that has a particular meaning or grammatical function, such as 'to' in the infinitive form of verbs

partícula (en lingüística)

  • a particle of something

Collocations grammatical particles · linguistic particles

  • The word 'to' is a particle in English.

    La palabra 'a' es una partícula en inglés.

1 PARTICLE AS DUST A2

a very small piece of something, such as dust or sand

partícula (de polvo o arena)

  • a particle of something

Collocations dust particles · pollen particles

  • There were dust particles floating in the air.

    Había partículas de polvo flotando en el aire.

2 PARTICLE AS SMALL AMOUNT B1

a very small amount of something, such as a tiny piece or drop

partícula (pequeña cantidad)

  • a particle of something

Collocations tiny particles · microscopic particles

  • A single drop of water contains millions of tiny particles.

    Una sola gota de agua contiene millones de partículas diminutas.