A granule is a tiny, grain-like particle or pellet. Sugar granules are the small crystals you see in the sugar bowl. Instant coffee comes in brown granules that dissolve when you add hot water. The sand on a beach is made of countless rock granules worn smooth by waves.

Granules are grain-sized: small enough to see individually but too small to pick up one at a time with your fingertips. Scientists use granules in labs, like the white granules of certain chemicals that they measure carefully for experiments. Gardeners spread fertilizer granules across their lawns. Pharmacists sometimes prepare medicine in granule form because it's easier to measure precisely than powder and dissolves more reliably than large chunks.

When you look closely at many everyday substances, you'll discover they're actually made of granules: the salt you sprinkle on popcorn, the grains in a vitamin supplement, even the texture on sandpaper. Each granule is tiny on its own, but together they create something useful.