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powder

pow·der

UK/ˈpaʊ.də(ɹ)/ US/ˈpuː.dɐ/ common informal slang
noun (3) verb (2)

noun

1.

a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized

Synonyms
2.

a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks

Synonyms
3.

any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder

verb

1.

apply powder to

  • “She powdered her nose”
  • “The King wears a powdered wig”
2.

make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust

  • “pulverize the grains”
Synonyms

Origin

From Middle English poudre, pouder, pouldre, borrowed from Old French poudre, poldre, puldre, from Latin pulverem, accusative singular of Latin pulvis (“dust, powder”). Doublet of pulver. Compare pollen (“fine flour”), polverine, pulverize.

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WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.