particle

(part′-ĭ-kĕl )

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[L. particula, a small piece, little bit, particle]

1. A very small piece or part of matter; a tiny fragment or trace.
2. Any of several subatomic components of the nuclei of radioactive elements, such as alpha and beta particles.
3. An attraction particle or centriole of the nucleus of a cell. SEE: 4. Virion.

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