Nongranular: meaning, definitions and examples
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nongranular
[ nɒnˈɡræn.jʊ.lər ]
science, material
Nongranular refers to a material or substance that lacks grain or granules. This term is often used in scientific and industrial contexts to describe homogenous substances that do not exhibit granular characteristics. Nongranular materials can be found in various fields such as pharmacology, where they may refer to powders that do not have a grainy texture. In addition, it can apply to liquids or gels that do not separate into distinct solid or granular components.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The compound was nongranular and reacted differently than expected.
- Researchers often use nongranular materials for their experiments to ensure consistency.
- Nongranular liquids are typically easier to mix with other substances.
Etymology
The term 'nongranular' stems from the prefix 'non-', meaning 'not', combined with 'granular', which is derived from the Latin word 'granulum', meaning 'small grain'. The word 'granular' began to be used in the early 17th century to describe materials composed of grains or granules. The addition of 'non-' emphasizes the absence of this characteristic. As scientific terminology evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries, 'nongranular' emerged as a descriptor in various fields, particularly in material science and chemistry, where the texture and composition of materials are of paramount importance. The term has gained traction in contexts requiring precision in describing material properties, especially in research and industrial applications.