Particle
Particle , noun
[Latin particula, dim. of pars, gen partis, a part: compare French particule. See Part, and compare 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.
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.
3.
(a) (Roman Catholic Church) A crumb or little piece of consecrated host.
(b)
(Roman Catholic Church) The smaller hosts distributed in the communion of the laity. — Bp. Fitzpatrick
4.
(Grammar) 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.
4.
(Physics) An elementary particle.