powder

play

verb pow·der \ˈpau̇-dər\

Definition of powder

powdered

;

powdering

play \ˈpau̇-d(ə-)riŋ\

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

powderer

play \-dər-ər\ noun

See powder defined for English-language learners

Examples of powder in a Sentence

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

First Known Use of powder

14th century

powder

noun, often attributive pow·der

Definition of powder

1 : matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter
2a : a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic useb : fine dry light snow
3 : any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting

powderless

play \-ləs\ adjective

powderlike

play \-ˌlīk\ adjective

See powder defined for English-language learners

See powder defined for kids

Examples of powder in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of powder

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Powder

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geographical name Pow·der \ˈpau̇-dər\

Definition of Powder

1 river 150 miles (241 kilometers) long in eastern Oregon flowing into the Snake River
2 river 375 miles (604 kilometers) long in northern Wyoming and southeastern Montana flowing north into the Yellowstone River

POWDER Defined for English Language Learners

powder

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verb

Definition of powder for English Language Learners

: to put powder on (your face or body)

powder

noun

Definition of powder for English Language Learners

: a dry substance made up of very tiny pieces of something
: a very fine, dry substance that is put on your body or face especially to make it dry or less shiny
: snow that is very light and dry

POWDER Defined for Kids

powder

play

verb pow·der \ˈpau̇-dər\

Definition of powder for Students

powdered

;

powdering

1 : to sprinkle or cover with or as if with fine particles of something The cookies were powdered with sugar.
2 : to reduce or change to powder

powder

play

noun pow·der

Definition of powder for Students

1 : a dry substance made up of fine particles The stone was crushed into powder.
2 : something (as a food, medicine, or cosmetic) made in or changed to the form of a powder garlic powder
3 : gunpowder

Medical Dictionary

powder

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noun pow·der \ˈpau̇d-ər\

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