powder definition

1. The fine particles to which any dry substance is reduced by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or into which it falls by decay; dust. "Grind their bones to powder small." (Shak)

2. An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder. See Gunpowder. Atlas powder, Baking powder, etc. See Atlas, Baking, etc. Powder down, a boy formerly employed on war vessels to carry powder; a powder boy. Powder post. See Dry rot, under Dry. Powder puff. See Puff.

Origin: OE. Poudre, pouldre, F. Poudre, OF. Also poldre, puldre, L. Pulvis, pulveris: cf. Pollen fine flour, mill dust, E. Pollen. Cf. Polverine, Pulverize.

1. To be reduced to powder; to become like powder; as, some salts powder easily.

2. To use powder on the hair or skin; as, she paints and powders.