pow·der 
(poudər)
(poudər)n.
1. A substance consisting of ground, pulverized, or otherwise finely dispersed solid particles.
2. Any of various preparations in the form of powder, as certain cosmetics and medicines.
3. A dry explosive mixture, such as gunpowder.
4. Light dry snow.
tr.v. pow·dered, pow·der·ing, pow·ders
Idioms: 1. To turn into or produce as a powder: tea that is powdered.
2. To put powder on: powdered the cake with sugar.
3. To strew or ornament with small objects or flecks: The stars powdered the sky.
keep (one's) powder dry
To be ready for a challenge with little warning.
take a powder
To make a quick departure; run away.
[Middle English poudre, from Old French, from Latin pulvis, pulver-.]
powder·er n.