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powder Definition

pow·der (po̵u′dər)

noun

  1. any dry substance in the form of very fine, dustlike particles, produced by crushing, grinding, etc.
  2. a specific kind of powder bath powder, face powder
    1. a drug in the form of powder
    2. a dose of this
    1. gunpowder

    2. Etymology: prob. in reference to swift explosion of powder

      Slang a sudden or impulsive rush: obs. or Brit. dial. except in the slang phrase ☆ take a powder, to run away; leave
  5. fine, light, powdery snow, considered best for skiing

Etymology: ME poudre < OFr < L pulvis (gen. pulveris), dust: see pollen

transitive verb

  1. to sprinkle or cover with or as with powder
  2. to apply cosmetic powder to (the body, face, etc.)
  3. to make into powder; pulverize

intransitive verb

  1. to be made into powder
  2. to use powder as a cosmetic

powder Related Forms

pow′·derer noun

powder Idioms

keep one's powder dry

Etymology: in reference to gunpowder

Slang to be ready for action

powder Synonyms

powder

n.

particles, film, pulverulence, powderiness, explosive powder, medicinal powder, cosmetic powder; see also cosmetic, explosive, medicine 2.

keep one's powder dry*

be ready, be prepared, alert oneself; see prepare 1.

take a powder*

run away, abandon, desert; see leave 1.

powder Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • curry: You could also try this recipe with oily fish like salmon or tuna, with a little more curry powder to spice things up.
  • bake: Here's the baking powder, by the way.
  • skim: Butter in the EEC is 270 % of the world market price; skimmed milk powder 330 % ; and wheat around 150 % .
  • wash: Need to know how to measure out washing powder?
  • sprinkle: Add to your solutions or sprinkle this powder over the top of the root zone.
  • coat: The product is then powder coated to a choice of RAL colors in the standard range.

Adjective modifier

  • crystalline: The most popular form of coke is a white crystalline powder.
  • epoxy: This process includes a phosphate primer, an electrophoretic coating and an epoxy powder top coat.

Modifies a noun

  • diffraction: A detailed section on powder diffraction is also provided, along with a PDF file with slightly different content to the online notes.
  • coating: Made from 25mm tubing, finished in a thick powder coating, these stands are more than strong enough to cope with any motorcycle.
  • keg: Lessons to be learned In some ways the action research ignited a powder keg that had been waiting to go off.
  • metallurgy: It also gives a general background to powder metallurgy.
  • extinguisher: For example, a multi-purpose dry powder extinguisher near the main door should make it possible for you to tackle most small fires.
  • diffractometer: The resulting intensity profiles have spatial resolutions equal to, or exceeding that of modern powder diffractometers - at a fraction of the cost.

Noun used with modifier

  • talcum: Pour talcum powder onto the stain, leave overnight.
  • chili: I have to make a special version for him with a lot of extra chili powder.
  • cocoa: What really makes money is the refined cocoa powder.
  • washing: Not like selling washing powder where you can use direct sales figures.
  • tsp: With nothing more than this to go on, 1 tablet = 1/20 tsp powder.
  • chili: Dot with butter, sprinkle with extra chili powder, and quickly brown under the hot grill.