a non-finite form of the verb; in English it is used adjectivally and to form compound tenses
A form of a verb that may function as an adjective or noun. English has two types of participles: the present participle and the past participle. In other languages, there are others, such as future, perfect, and future perfect participles.
The word comes from the Latin participium, meaning a shared part. It entered English via Old French and Middle English with this same sense.