fine-grained
|fine-grained|
/ˌfaɪnˈɡreɪnd/ or /faɪnˈɡreɪnd/
made of very small parts / very detailed
Etymology
'fine-grained' is a compound of 'fine' and 'grain'. 'Fine' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'fin', where 'fin-' meant 'end/limit' and later 'delicate' or 'thin'; 'grain' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'granum', where 'gran-' meant 'seed' or 'grain'.
'grain' came into English via Old French 'graine' and Middle English 'graine' to become modern English 'grain'; 'fine' came into English from Old French 'fin' (via Anglo-Norman) and developed senses of 'delicate' and 'thin'. The compound 'fine-grained' appears in modern English as a technical and descriptive adjective (particularly in geology and later in technical/abstract uses).
Initially the components referred to physical 'finely divided particles' (small grains); over time the compound kept the physical sense and extended metaphorically to mean 'highly detailed' or 'granular' in abstract and technical contexts (e.g., analysis, control).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
composed of many small, distinct particles or elements; having a very small 'grain' or texture (physical sense).
The sandstone is fine-grained, giving it a smooth surface when polished.
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Adjective 2
describing analysis, control, or distinctions made at a very detailed or granular level; allowing precise, small-scale adjustment (abstract/technical sense, e.g., access control, analysis).
The software provides fine-grained access controls, so administrators can set permissions per file and user.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 02:43