powder

Meanings

Plural: powders

Noun

• a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
• a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
• any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder
• The fine particles which are the result of reducing a dry substance by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or the result of decay; dust.
• A mixture of fine dry, sweet-smelling particles applied to the face or other body parts, to reduce shine or to alleviate chaffing.
• An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder.
• Ellipsis of powder snow; light, dry, fluffy snow.
• Ellipsis of powder blue, a color.

Verb

• make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust
• apply powder to
  • "She powdered her nose"
  • "The King wears a powdered wig"
• To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder.
• To sprinkle with powder, or as if with powder.
• To use powder on the hair or skin.
• To turn into powder; to become powdery.
• To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat.
• To depart suddenly; to "take a powder".

Synonyms

comminute, grind, gunpowder, pound, powderise, powderize, pulverisation, pulverise, pulverization, pulverize, triturate