powder Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
    pulverisation; pulverization.
  2. noun a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
    gunpowder.
  3. noun any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder
  4. verb make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust
    pulverize; powderize; powderise; pulverise.
    • pulverize the grains
  5. verb apply powder to
    • She powdered her nose
    • The King wears a powdered wig

WordNet

Pow"der noun
Etymology
OE. poudre, pouldre, F. poudre, OF. also poldre, puldre, L. pulvis, pulveris: cf. pollen fine flour, mill dust, E. pollen. Cf. Polverine, Pulverize.
Definitions
  1. 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. Shak.
  2. An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder. See Gunpowder.
Pow"der transitive verb
Etymology
F. poudrer.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Powdered ; present participle & verbal noun Powdering
Definitions
  1. To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder; to comminute; to pulverize; to triturate.
  2. To sprinkle with powder, or as with powder; to be sprinkle; as, to powder the hair.
    A circling zone thou seest Powdered with stars. Milton.
  3. To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat. Obs.
Pow"der intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be reduced to powder; to become like powder; as, some salts powder easily.
  2. To use powder on the hair or skin; as, she paints and powders.

Webster 1913