From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
powder
n 1: a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a
solid that has been pulverized [syn: powder,
pulverization, pulverisation]
2: a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a
75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and
fireworks [syn: gunpowder, powder]
3: any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in
the form of a pulverized powder
v 1: make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust;
"pulverize the grains" [syn: powderize, powderise,
powder, pulverize, pulverise]
2: apply powder to; "She powdered her nose"; "The King wears a
powdered wig"
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Powder \Pow"der\, n. [OE. poudre, pouldre, F. poudre, OF. also
poldre, puldre, L. pulvis, pulveris: cf. pollen fine flour,
mill dust, E. pollen. Cf. Polverine, Pulverize.]
1. The fine particles to which any dry substance is reduced
by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or into which it
falls by decay; dust.
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Grind their bones to powder small. --Shak.
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2. An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.;
gunpowder. See Gunpowder.
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Atlas powder, Baking powder, etc. See under Atlas,
Baking, etc.
Powder down (Zool.), the peculiar dust, or exfoliation, of
powder-down feathers.
Powder-down feather (Zool.), one of a peculiar kind of
modified feathers which sometimes form patches on certain
parts of some birds. They have a greasy texture and a
scaly exfoliation.
Powder-down patch (Zool.), a tuft or patch of powder-down
feathers.
Powder hose, a tube of strong linen, about an inch in
diameter, filled with powder and used in firing mines.
--Farrow.
Powder hoy (Naut.), a vessel specially fitted to carry
powder for the supply of war ships. They are usually
painted red and carry a red flag.
Powder magazine, or Powder room. See Magazine, 2.
Powder mine, a mine exploded by gunpowder. See Mine.
Powder monkey (Naut.), a boy formerly employed on war
vessels to carry powder; a powder boy.
Powder post. See Dry rot, under Dry.
Powder puff. See Puff, n.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Powder \Pow"der\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Powdered; p. pr. & vb.
n. Powdering.] [F. poudrer.]
1. To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into
a powder; to comminute; to pulverize; to triturate.
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2. To sprinkle with powder, or as with powder; to be
sprinkle; as, to powder the hair.
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A circling zone thou seest
Powdered with stars. --Milton.
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3. To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat. [Obs.]
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Powder \Pow"der\, v. i.
1. To be reduced to powder; to become like powder; as, some
salts powder easily.
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2. To use powder on the hair or skin; as, she paints and
powders.
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