Fine dry particles of a substance, or cosmetic products in powder form. Can also be the third person singular form of the verb 'to powder'.
From Old French 'poudre', from Latin 'pulvis, pulveris' meaning 'dust, powder'. The word entered English in the 13th century, initially referring to any fine particulate matter.
Gunpowder was so revolutionary that in many languages, the word for powder became synonymous with explosive power. The phrase 'keep your powder dry' comes from military advice about keeping gunpowder usable, but now means 'stay prepared for action'.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.