pow·der
(poúdər)
[Middle English poudre, from Old French, from Latin pulvis, pulver-.]
noun
- A substance consisting of ground, pulverized, or otherwise finely dispersed solid particles.
- Any of various preparations in the form of powder, as certain cosmetics and medicines.
- An explosive mixture, such as gunpowder.
- Light dry snow.
verb: -dered, -der·ing, -ders.
transitive verb
- To reduce to powder; pulverize.
- To dust or cover with or as if with powder.
- Slang To defeat handily or decisively.
intransitive verb
- To become pulverized; turn into powder.
- To use powder as a cosmetic.
idioms
- keep (one's) powder dry
- To be ready for a challenge with little warning.
- take a powder
- To make a quick departure; run away.
derivatives
- poẃder·er
- noun
