powder
pow·der / ˈpoudər/ • n. fine dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing, or disintegration of a solid substance: when the powder is mixed with water, it becomes a creamy white paste cocoa powder | [in sing.] crush the poppy seeds to a powder. ∎ (also face powder) a cosmetic in this form designed to be applied to a person's face with a brush or soft pad. ∎ dated a medicine or drug in this form, usually designed to be dissolved in a liquid. ∎ (also powder snow) light, dry, newly fallen snow: [as adj.] powder skiing. ∎ short for gunpowder (sense 1).• v. [tr.] 1. apply powder to (the face or body): she powdered her face and put on a dab of perfume. ∎ sprinkle or cover (a surface) with powder or a powdery substance: broken glass powdered the floor | fig. high cheekbones powdered with freckles. 2. reduce (a substance) to a powder by drying or crushing it: then the rose petals are dried and powdered | [as adj.] (powdered) powdered milk. PHRASES: keep one's powder dry remain cautious and ready for a possible emergency.take a powder inf. depart quickly, esp. in order to avoid a difficult situation.