Particle

Particle, pär′ti-kl, n. a little part: a very small portion: (physics) the minutest part into which a body can be divided: an atom: (gram.) an indeclinable word, as a preposition, a conjunction, an interjection: a word that can only be used in composition, as wise in sidewise: (R.C. Church) a crumb of consecrated bread, also the 'smaller breads' used in the communion of the laity.—adj. Partic′ular, relating to a part of anything: pertaining to a single person or thing: individual: special: worthy of special attention: concerned with or marking things single or distinct: exact: nice in taste: precise.—n. a distinct or minute part: a single point: a single instance: (pl.) details.—n. Particularisā′tion.—v.t. Partic′ularise, to mention the particulars of: to enumerate in detail: to give a special description of.—v.i. to mention or attend to single things or minute details.—ns. Partic′ularism, attention to one's own interest or party: a particular or minute description: the doctrine that salvation is offered only to particular individuals, the elect, and not freely to the whole race on condition of faith; Partic′ularist, one who holds the doctrine of particularism.—adj. Particularist′ic.—n. Particular′ity, quality of being particular: minuteness of detail: a single act or case: a single or a minute circumstance: something peculiar or singular.—adv. Partic′ularly, in an especial manner: in a high degree: (B.) in detail.—n. Partic′ularness.—adj. Partic′ulāte, having the form of a small particle.—In particular, specially, distinctly. [Fr.,—L. particula, dim. of pars, partis, a part.]