Particul-ettes

I am in complete agreement with Bill Whyte on the misuse of “particulate” as a noun: it is not a noun, it is an adjective. I believe the word appeals to people because it mimics the diminutive ending “ette” as in majorette or cigarette. If people insist on using this sound, they should spell it “particulette.” I have campaigned against the use of particulate as a noun for over two decades. Please send me information on joining the Society Against the Use of “Particulates.”

Roger W. Welker, principal scientist

R. W. Welker Associates

Northridge, CA

Another SAUP Member

I agree with Bill Whyte. I hear the term “particulates” used more often than I care to admit. I bite my lip when I hear someone call particles “particulates.” I&#39m also wondering, is there an organization against referring to ionization emitter pairs as “ion bars”? It might be a localized thing, but we run into this phenomena every so often, and hear it from our microcontamination counterpart! Anyway, I am interested in the position of beverage chairman for SAUP.

Linc Belt, mechanical engineer

Intel

Albuquerque, New Mexico