Dust: meaning, definitions and examples

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dust

[ dʌst ]

^{Context #1}

in the air

Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or in the air.

Synonyms

debris, dirt, powder

Examples of usage

The room was filled with dust after the construction work.
She coughed as the dust from the old books rose into the air.

^{Context #2}

on surfaces

A fine, dry powder that settles on surfaces and is made up of tiny particles of dirt, skin cells, or other matter.

Synonyms

filth, grime, soot

Examples of usage

I wiped the dust off the shelves.
The furniture was covered in a thick layer of dust.

^{Context #3}

remove dust

To remove the fine powder consisting of tiny particles of dirt or other matter from a surface.

Synonyms

clean, sweep, wipe

Examples of usage

She dusted the bookshelves with a cloth.
I need to dust the furniture before the guests arrive.

Translations

Translations of the word "dust" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poeira

🇮🇳 धूल

🇩🇪 Staub

🇮🇩 debu

🇺🇦 пил

🇵🇱 kurz

🇯🇵 ほこり (hokori)

🇫🇷 poussière

🇪🇸 polvo

🇹🇷 toz

🇰🇷 먼지 (meonji)

🇸🇦 غبار (ghubar)

🇨🇿 prach

🇸🇰 prach

🇨🇳 尘 (chén)

🇸🇮 prah

🇮🇸 ryk

🇰🇿 шаң

🇬🇪 მტვერი (mtveri)

🇦🇿 toz

🇲🇽 polvo

Word origin

The word 'dust' originated from the Old English word 'dust', which is akin to the Middle High German 'dunst' meaning 'vapor'. Over time, the meaning of 'dust' evolved to refer to fine, dry particles of earth or waste matter. Dust has been a common element in human environments since ancient times, with references to dust found in various historical texts and literature.