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noun Powder n. 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." 2.An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder. See Gunpowder. 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. 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.
verb Powder v. t. (past & past part. powdered; pres. part. powdering) 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." 3.To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat. (Obs.)
Powder 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.
Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48
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