noun

granule

GRAN-yool/ˈɡrænjuːl/

A tiny grain or particle of a substance.

Tiny sugar granules fill the spoon and scatter across the surface.

A spoon holding tiny white sugar granules with several scattered individual grains visibly detailed in foreground, no labels or magnification text.

Etymology

The grain root and diminutive ending make a granule literally a “little grain.” That image applies to a tiny discrete particle, whether or not it is an actual cereal grain.

In context

BBC Maestro6:02

I've taken one granule and placed it in my mouth and grind it between your teeth. It's that little bit chalky. It needs that little bit longer. Rice like pasta should always be served al dente.

Mushroom risotto made easy with Marco Pierre White | Meet your Maestro | BBC Maestro

More examples

Stir until the coffee granules dissolve in the hot water.
She spreads fertilizer granules around the tomato plants.
Tiny granules of sand cling to my wet feet.

Forms

granule · granules

granular adjective — Made up of small, distinct grains.

granulate verb — To form into small grains.

Similar words

grain: Often interchangeable, especially for a small piece of sand or salt.
particle: Broader term that includes microscopic matter without a grainlike shape.