powder

¹pow·der

verb \ˈpau̇-dər\

pow·deredpow·der·ing \ˈpau̇-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of POWDER

transitive verb

1

: to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder

2

: to reduce or convert to powder

3

: to hit very hard

intransitive verb

1

: to become powder

2

: to apply cosmetic powder

— pow·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

Examples of POWDER

1. She powdered her face and put on lipstick.
2. <you have to powder the antibiotic tablet and mix it with food>

First Known Use of POWDER

13th century

Related to POWDER

Synonyms

atomize, beat, bray, comminute, crush, disintegrate, grind, mill, mull, pound, pulverize

Related Words

grate, kibble; crumble, crunch; break, bust, dash, fracture, fragment; shatter, smash, splinter; micronize

Rhymes with POWDER

chowder

²powder

noun, often attributive

Definition of POWDER

1

: matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter

2

a : a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic use

b : fine dry light snow

3

: any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting

— pow·der·less \-ləs\ adjective

— pow·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of POWDER

1. The powder is made from the roots of the plant.
2. Mix together the different powders.
3. She crushed the peppercorns into a fine powder.
4. We're running low on baby powder and diapers.
5. We woke this morning to several inches of fresh powder on the ground.

Origin of POWDER

Middle English poudre, from Anglo-French pudre, podre, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust; probably akin to Sanskrit palāva chaff

First Known Use: 14th century

Pow·der

geographical name \ˈpau̇-dər\

Definition of POWDER

1

river 150 miles (241 kilometers) E Oregon flowing into the Snake

2

river 375 miles (604 kilometers) N Wyoming & SE Montana flowing N into the Yellowstone

pow·der

noun \ˈpau̇d-ər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of POWDER

: a product in the form of discrete usually fine particles; specifically : a medicine or medicated preparation in the form of a powder <antiseptic powder> <digestive powder>