Powder word meaning and definition

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

\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.

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