n. [ L. particula, dim. of pars, gen partis, a part: cf. F. particule. See Part, and cf. Parcel. ]
The small size of atoms which unite
To make the smallest particle of light. Blackmore. [ 1913 Webster ]
The houses had not given their commissioners authority in the least particle to recede. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Physics) A large and expensive scientific instrument used by physicists to accelerate elementary particles (such as protons or electrons) to speeds near that of light, for the purpose of investigating the fundamental properties of matter; sometimes also called an
n. That branch of physics which investigates the nature of matter, and in particular the properties and behavior of the elementary particles (fundamental particles), of which matter is composed. Included in this field is the more specialized branch of high-energy physics. [ PJC ]