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.
The small size of atoms which unite
To make the smallest particle of light.
Blackmore.
2.
Any very small portion or part; the smallest portion; as, he has not a particle of patriotism or virtue.
The houses had not given their commissioners authority in the least particle to recede.
Clarendon.
3. R. C. Ch. (a)
A crumb or little piece of concecrated host.
(b)
The smaller hosts distributed in the communion of the laity.
Bp. Fitzpatrick.
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.
<-- elementary particle (Physics) -->
© Webster 1913.