The crossword solution for the term 'minute fragment' is 'PARTICLE, ' which is an 8-letter word. Particles are the smallest known units of matter, and they are composed of atoms or subatomic particles. Particles can be found in a variety of forms, including gas, liquid, and solid. They are also found in many different sizes, ranging from the very small to the very large. Particles are essential components of all matter, and they play a major role in the structure and behavior of matter.