Granular Meaning: Definition and Examples
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granular
[ˈɡræn.jʊ.lər ]
Definition
texture description
Granular refers to a texture or structure consisting of small, distinct particles or grains. It is often used to describe materials that have a coarse texture, such as sand or sugar. In a more abstract sense, granular can also refer to data or information that is detailed and broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This term is particularly relevant in fields like computer science, where it indicates the level of detail analyzed in a dataset.
Synonyms
coarse, crystalline, fragmented, grainy.
Examples of usage
- The granular sugar dissolved quickly in the hot water.
- The soil was granular, providing good drainage for the plants.
- The report provided a granular analysis of the market trends.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In chemistry, 'granular' describes materials that consist of small grains or particles, which can affect their properties and behavior.
- Granular materials, like sand or salt, exhibit unique behaviors (like flowability) that are studied in fields like engineering and physics.
Technology
- In data science, 'granular data' refers to information that is broken down into finer details, allowing for more precise analysis.
- Software applications often leverage granular permissions, allowing users to have specific levels of access, improving security.
Art
- In visual arts, applying a granular texture can create depth, as seen in certain painting techniques that use granulated paint.
- Many photographers utilize granular film to achieve a certain artistic effect, capturing images with a distinct, textured quality.
Psychology
- Granular thinking refers to breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, making it easier to find solutions.
- Studies suggest that people who approach challenges with a granular perspective may experience less overwhelm and more clarity in decision-making.
Origin of 'granular'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'granularis', meaning 'of grains', which reflects the idea of being made up of small particles.
- The earliest documented use of 'granular' in English dates back to the mid-19th century, initially referring to substances like sugar and sand.
The word 'granular' originates from the Latin word 'granulum', which is a diminutive form of 'granum', meaning 'grain'. This term evolved into the Middle French 'granulaire', which carried over into English by the early 19th century. Initially used in scientific and technical contexts, 'granular' describes physical materials that are grain-like. Over time, it has expanded into metaphorical usage across various fields, including data analysis, where it refers to the level of detail in datasets being analyzed. The evolution of its usage reflects the growing importance of precise and detailed information in both scientific and everyday language.