dusting-powder
C1Somewhat dated, formal/polite, or specialized (cosmetic/personal care).
Definition
Meaning
A fine powder, typically containing talc, applied to the skin to absorb moisture, prevent chafing, or provide a pleasant scent.
A cosmetic or toiletry product in powder form, often perfumed, used for personal hygiene and comfort; historically associated with grooming routines and body care.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Compound noun (noun + gerund + noun). Primarily a count noun ('a dusting-powder'), but can be used uncountably ('some dusting-powder'). Implies gentle application (dusting). Now often replaced by simpler terms like 'talcum powder' or 'body powder'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Hyphenation ('dusting-powder') is more common in UK English; US English may favor the open form 'dusting powder'. The product concept is identical. The term is somewhat old-fashioned in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: May evoke mid-20th century toiletry sets, traditional grooming. US: Similar dated connotation, but 'talcum powder' or 'baby powder' are far more prevalent.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary corpora in both varieties. More likely found in historical texts, vintage product descriptions, or specialized cosmetic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
apply [dusting-powder] to [body part]sprinkle [dusting-powder] on [surface]use [dusting-powder] after [a bath/shower]a tin/box of dusting-powderVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in historical business archives of cosmetic companies.
Academic
Could appear in historical, cultural, or gender studies discussing hygiene and cosmetics.
Everyday
Very rare in modern conversation. An older person might refer to it. 'Talc' or 'baby powder' are used instead.
Technical
In cosmetic chemistry or formulation, it's a specific product type, though often termed 'body dusting powder'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She preferred a dusting-powder scent over a perfume.
American English
- The dusting-powder fragrance was light and clean.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She bought a scented dusting-powder.
- He uses dusting-powder after his shower.
- The old-fashioned tin contained a lavender-scented dusting-powder.
- Some people are allergic to the talc found in many dusting-powders.
- A light dusting-powder can help absorb perspiration and prevent skin irritation.
- The vintage advertisement promoted the dusting-powder as an essential part of the feminine toilette.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DUSTING a fine layer of POWDER onto your skin to feel fresh.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANLINESS IS DRYNESS / FRESHNESS IS A CLOUD (of powder).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation that implies 'powder for removing dust' (e.g., пыль для уборки). The core meaning is 'powder *for* dusting (the body)', not 'powder that dusts'. Think 'присыпка' (talcum/body powder) or 'тальк'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dust powder' (incorrect). Confusing it with cleaning products. Using it as a verb (*'I dusting-powdered myself').
Practice
Quiz
'Dusting-powder' is best described as a:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar and often overlap. 'Baby powder' is a specific type of dusting-powder formulated for infants, often with simpler ingredients. 'Dusting-powder' is a broader, slightly more formal term for adult body powder.
It's a compound noun formed from 'dusting' (gerund) and 'powder'. Hyphenation clarifies that the two words function as a single unit, though the open form ('dusting powder') is also accepted.
No, it is considered quite dated. Modern English overwhelmingly prefers 'talcum powder', 'body powder', or simply 'talc'.
No. 'Dusting-powder' is exclusively a noun. The related verb phrase would be 'to dust (oneself) with powder'.