Definition of "particulate"

particulate

/pɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lɪt/

adjective
comparative more particulate, superlative most particulate
1. Composed of separate particles.
2. (genetics) Pertaining to heritable characteristics which are attributable discretely to either one or another of an offspring's parents, rather than a blend of the two.
  Quotations
  The rudiments of particulate inheritance were dimly understood already by the breeders of cattle and apples, but nobody was being systematic.
  1999, Matt Ridley, Genome, Harper Perennial, published 2004, page 41
noun
plural particulates
1. (chiefly in the plural) Any solid or liquid in a subdivided state, especially one that exhibits special characteristics which are negligible in the bulk material.