dust

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U] a fine powder that consists of very small pieces of sand, earth, etc: A cloud of dust rose as the truck drove off. * The workers wear masks to avoid inhaling the dust. 2 the fine powder of dirt that forms in buildings, on furniture, floors, etc: The books were all covered with dust. * There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere in the room. * She is allergic to house dust. * That guitar's been sitting gathering dust (= not being used) for years now. 3 a fine powder that consists of very small pieces of a particular substance: coal / gold dust seealsoDUSTY IDIOMS leave sb in the dust (AmE) to leave sb far behind let the dust settle