I. ˈpau̇-dər verb
( pow·dered ; pow·der·ing ˈpau̇-d(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2. : to reduce or convert to powder
3. : to hit very hard
intransitive verb
1. : to become powder
2. : to apply cosmetic powder
• pow·der·er -dər-ər noun
II. noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English poudre, from Anglo-French pudre, podre, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust; probably akin to Sanskrit palāva chaff
Date: 14th century
1. : matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter
2.
a. : a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic use
b. : fine dry light snow
3. : any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting
• pow·der·less -ləs adjective
• pow·der·like -ˌlīk adjective