powder
B1Neutral (common in both everyday and technical contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A dry, loose substance consisting of extremely small, fine particles, typically produced by grinding, crushing, or disintegration.
Can refer to a specific substance in powdered form (e.g., washing powder, gunpowder), snow that is light and dry, or the act of applying a cosmetic powder.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun, but can be countable when referring to types of powder (e.g., 'different face powders'). The verb form means to apply powder or to become powdery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical differences. 'Washing powder' (UK) is more common than 'laundry detergent' (US, which can be liquid or powder). 'Talcum powder' is common in both, though 'baby powder' is predominant in US.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Comparatively high and similar frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
powder [something] (with something)[something] powdersbe powdered with [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take a powder (slang: leave hastily)”
- “powder keg (a volatile situation)”
- “keep your powder dry (be prepared for action)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In manufacturing and retail (e.g., 'The new detergent powder is selling well').
Academic
In chemistry, materials science, and geology (e.g., 'The mineral was ground to a fine powder for analysis').
Everyday
Common in domestic, cosmetic, culinary, and weather contexts (e.g., 'I need to buy some baking powder', 'The ski resort has fresh powder').
Technical
In explosives ('gunpowder'), metallurgy ('powder coating'), pharmaceuticals ('powdered medication'), and skiing ('powder snow').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She powdered her nose before the meeting.
- The old plaster had powdered to dust.
American English
- He powdered the donuts with confectioners' sugar.
- The dry soil powdered underfoot.
adjective
British English
- She wore a lovely powder-blue dress.
- They enjoyed a week of powder skiing in the Alps.
American English
- The nursery was painted a soft powder pink.
- Forecasters are calling for powder snow overnight.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby needs talcum powder.
- I put chocolate powder in my milk.
- This washing powder is very good for stains.
- There was a light powder of snow on the ground.
- The chemist analysed the mysterious white powder found at the scene.
- She carefully powdered her face under the bright lights.
- The geopolitical situation in the region is a veritable powder keg.
- The ancient manuscript had powdered away to nothing in the archaeologist's hands.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POWDER = Particles Of Whatever Dry, Easily Rubbed.
Conceptual Metaphor
DRYNESS IS FRAGILITY / PREPARATION IS KEEPING POWDER DRY
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пудра' (which is only for cosmetic face powder). 'Powder' is broader. 'Gunpowder' is 'порох', but 'powder' alone is not. 'Снежный порошок' translates as 'powder snow'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a powder' incorrectly as a countable noun in general contexts (e.g., 'Add a powder' vs. 'Add some powder'). Confusing 'powder' with 'pollen' or 'dust' in specific contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In a ski report, the phrase 'fresh powder' most likely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'some powder'). It becomes countable when referring to different types (e.g., 'various face powders') or specific instances (e.g., 'take a powder').
'Dust' often implies unwanted, loose particles from disintegration or dirt (e.g., house dust). 'Powder' is more neutral and often implies a manufactured or intentionally produced substance (e.g., baking powder). However, they can overlap.
It is informal, somewhat dated American slang meaning to leave quickly or hastily, especially to avoid someone or something.
Yes. It means to apply powder to something (e.g., 'powder one's face') or to reduce something to powder (e.g., 'The rock was powdered by the machine').