powder

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U,C] a dry mass of very small fine pieces or grains: chilli powder * lumps of chalk crushed to (a) fine white powder * The snow was like powder. * A wide range of cleaning fluids and powders is available. * The mustard is sold in powder form. * powder skiing (= on fine dry snow) seealsoBAKINGPOWDER, CURRYPOWDER, SOAPPOWDER, TALCUMPOWDER, WASHINGPOWDER 2 [U] a very fine, soft, dry substance that you can put on your face to make it look smooth and dry: I only use lipstick and a little powder. 3 [U] = GUNPOWDER IDIOMS keep your powder dry (old-fashioned) to remain ready for a possible emergency take a powder (AmE, informal) to leave suddenly; to run away verb [VN] to put powder on sth: She powdered her face and put on her lipstick. IDIOMS powder your nose (old-fashioned) a polite way of referring to the fact that a woman is going to the toilet/bathroom: I'm just going to powder my nose.