powder

Pronunciation: /ˈpaʊ.də(ɹ)/

The English word “powder” has 10 meanings listed here.

noun

The fine particles which are the result of reducing a dry substance by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or the result of decay; dust.
Cocaine in powder form (as opposed to crack).
A mixture of fine dry, sweet-smelling particles applied to the face or other body parts, to reduce shine or to alleviate chaffing.
An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder.

verb

To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder.
To sprinkle with powder, or as if with powder.
To use powder on the hair or skin.
To turn into powder; to become powdery.
To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat.
To depart suddenly; to "take a powder".

Etymology

From Middle English poudre, pouder, pouldre, borrowed from Old French poudre, poldre, puldre, from Latin pulverem, accusative singular of Latin pulvis (“dust, powder”). Doublet of pulver. Compare pollen (“fine flour”), polverine, pulverize.

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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.