dust

The definition of dust is fine bits of dirt or other matter that hangs in the air and settles on surfaces.

(noun)

An example of dust is the dirt that gathers on top of books sitting on a shelf.

Dust is defined as to sprinkle powdery substances onto something, or to remove powdery substances from something.

(verb)

An example of dust is applying a light amount of powder to the face.
An example of dust is using a cloth to remove fine dirt from the top of frames hung on a wall.

See dust in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

powdery earth or other matter in bits fine enough to be easily suspended in air
a cloud of such matter
confusion; turmoil
1. earth, esp. as the place of burial
2. mortal remains disintegrated or thought of as disintegrating to earth or dust
a humble or abject condition
anything worthless
Brit. ashes, rubbish, etc.
pollen
☆ gold dust
Archaic a particle

Origin: ME < OE, akin to MLowG: for IE base see dun

transitive verb

to sprinkle with dust or a fine powdery substance: to dust crops with an insecticide
to sprinkle (powder, etc.) on something
to rid of dust, as by brushing, shaking, or wiping: often with off
Archaic to make dusty

intransitive verb

See dust in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Fine, dry particles of matter.
A cloud of fine, dry particles.
Particles of matter regarded as the result of disintegration: fabric that had fallen to dust over the centuries.
a. Earth, especially when regarded as the substance of the grave: “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” (Book of Common Prayer).
b. The surface of the ground.
A debased or despised condition.
Something of no worth.
Chiefly British Rubbish readied for disposal.
Confusion; agitation; commotion: won't go back in until the dust settles.

verb dust·ed, dust·ing, dusts

verb, transitive

To remove dust from by wiping, brushing, or beating: dust the furniture.
To sprinkle with a powdery substance: dusted the cookies with sugar; dust crops with fertilizer.
To apply or strew in fine particles: dusted talcum powder on my feet.
Baseball To deliver a pitch so close to (the batter) as to make the batter back away.

verb, intransitive