nanoparticle
noun
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Nanoparticles of a material usually have very different qualities from those that the material has at its ordinary scale, which is one reason why there's such excitement about the possibilities for how they might be used in future technologies. Many uses have already been developed. Aluminum nanoparticles added to rocket fuel can make the fuel burn twice as fast and release much more energy. Silicon nanoparticles are increasing the energy efficiency of solar cells by allowing the energy from ultraviolet light to be captured for the first time. Other nanoparticles are now helping prevent rust in metals, produce stronger batteries, enhance the diagnosis of cancer, and improve the filtering of water, and the number of other applications is growing fast.
Examples of nanoparticle in a Sentence
Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2025
Not to be confused with everyone's favorite quirky '90s sci-fi series, quantum dots are tiny nanoparticles that glow when light passes through them.
—Parker Hall, Wired News, 3 July 2025
Most research has found that zinc oxide sunscreen has low concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles, which can’t significantly penetrate the skin or enter the bloodstream.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 5 June 2025
This technique involves using the magnetic properties of MRI to guide magnetic nanoparticles or drug carriers directly to specific sites in the body, such as tumors or areas with other types of pathology.
—Jennifer Esposito, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Nanoparticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nanoparticle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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nanoparticle
noun
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