Category:Powder

Pow"der, n. Etym: [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 (zoöl.), the peculiar dust, or exfoliation, of Powder-down feathers. -- powder-down feather (zoöl.), 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 (zoöl.), 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.

Powder Pow"der, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Powdered; p. pr. & vb. n. Powdering.] Etym: [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.]

Powder 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.