Powder
WordNet
noun
(1) Any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder
(2) A solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
(3) A mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
verb
(4) Apply powder to
"She powdered her nose"
"The King wears a powdered wig"
(5) Make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust
"Pulverize the grains"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , , , , , . cf. pollen fine flour, mill dust, E. pollen. Cf. {polverine}, {pulverize}.
Noun
- The fine particles to which any dry substance is reduced by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or into which it falls by decay; dust.
- Grind their bones to powder small. —Shakespeare
- An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder.
Verb
- To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder; to comminute; to pulverize; to triturate.
- To sprinkle with powder, or as with powder; to be sprinkle
- to powder the hair.
- A circling zone thou seest / Powdered with stars. --Milton.
- To be reduced to powder; to become like powder.
- Some salts powder easily.
- To use powder on the hair or skin; as,
- She paints and powders.