¦ noun
1. fine, dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing, or disintegration of a solid substance.
2. a cosmetic in this form applied to a person's face.
3. dated a medicine in this form.
4. loose, dry newly fallen snow.
5. gunpowder.
¦ verb
1. apply powder to; sprinkle or cover with powder.
2. [usu. as adjective powdered] reduce to a powder.
Phrases
keep one's powder dry remain cautious and alert.
take a powder N. Amer. informal depart quickly.
Derivatives
powdery adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. poudre, from L. pulvis, pulver- 'dust'.