Definitions for: Powder


[n] any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a powder
[n] a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
[n] a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
[v] apply powder to, as of one's nose or other body parts



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

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 under Atlas,
Baking, etc.

Powder down (Zo["o]l.), the peculiar dust, or exfoliation,
of powder-down feathers.

Powder-down feather (Zo["o]l.), 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 (Zo["o]l.), 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.


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.

2. To sprinkle with powder, or as with powder; to be
sprinkle; as, to powder the hair.

A circling zone thou seest Powdered with stars.
--Milton.

3. To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat. [Obs.]


Pow"der, v. i.
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.

Synonyms: gunpowder, pulverisation, pulverization

See Also: araroba, aspirin powder, baby powder, bath powder, chrysarobin, Dover's powder, dusting powder, explosive, face powder, Goa powder, headache powder, make up, medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine, pollen, solid, talc, toilet article, toilet powder, toiletries, toiletry

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