Added 9 October 2026
powder
/ˈpaʊ.də(ɹ)/ noun
In Latin: favīlla, pulvis Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about powder at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized.
- A mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks.
- Any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder.
verb
Origin
From Middle English poudre, pouder, pouldre, borrowed from Old French poudre, poldre, puldre, from Latin pulverem, accusative singular of Latin pulvis (“dust, powder”). Doublet of pulver. Compare pollen (“fine flour”), polverine, pulverize.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)