dust 
(dŭst)
(dŭst)n.
1. Fine, dry particles of matter.
2. A cloud of fine, dry particles.
3. Particles of matter regarded as the result of disintegration: fabric that had fallen to dust over the centuries.
4.
a. Earth, especially when regarded as the substance of the grave: "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" (Book of Common Prayer).
b. The surface of the ground.
5. A debased or despised condition.
6. Something of no worth.
7. Chiefly British Rubbish readied for disposal.
8. Confusion; agitation; commotion: won't go back in until the dust settles.
v. dust·ed, dust·ing, dusts
v.tr.
1. To remove dust from by wiping, brushing, or beating: dust the furniture.
2. To sprinkle with a powdery substance: dusted the cookies with sugar; dust crops with fertilizer.
3. To apply or strew in fine particles: dusted talcum powder on my feet.
4. Baseball To deliver a pitch so close to (the batter) as to make the batter back away.
v.intr.
Phrasal Verb: 1. To clean by removing dust.
2. To cover itself with dry soil or other particulate matter. Used of a bird.
dust off
Idioms: To restore to use: dusted off last year's winter coat.
in the dust
Far behind, as in a race or competition: a marketing strategy that left our competitors in the dust.
make the dust fly
To go about a task with great energy and speed.
[Middle English, from Old English dūst.]