Definition of: powder

(pou′dər) noun
1. A finely ground or comminuted mass of free particles formed from a solid substance in the dry state; dust.
2. A pulverized cosmetic preparation for toilet use.
3. A medicine in the form of powder.
4. An explosive dry powder, as gunpowder.
—v.t.
1. To reduce to powder; pulverize.
2. To sprinkle or cover with or as with powder.
3. To sprinkle with small objects or ornaments.
—v.i.
4. To be reduced to powder.
5. To use powder as a cosmetic. [<OF poudre <L pulvis, pulveris dust]
—pow′der·er noun